Science Technologies/Technicians, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Debt to Income Ratio
Why Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 45.3%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $41917 and average student debt of $18972, the financial outlook for Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
If you’re thinking about Science Technologies/Technicians, Other., you’re looking at a field that’s both challenging and rewarding. Typical starting salaries are around $41917, with grads carrying about $18972 in student loans and a debt-to-income ratio of 0.45—which is excellent for paying off loans quickly.
Each year, over 2436 students complete this major, so you’ll have plenty of peers to connect with. Whether you’re motivated by salary, job outlook, or the chance to build something meaningful, Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. can help you get there. Make the most of your college years by seeking out hands-on experiences and building your network.
Degree Overview
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other (CIP 41.9999) is a flexible, applied STEM field focused on supporting scientific work through hands-on technical skills, laboratory operations, instrumentation, and data collection across multiple scientific disciplines. This classification is used for programs that do not fit neatly into a single technician category, allowing institutions to prepare students for specialized, interdisciplinary, or emerging technical roles in science-driven environments.
For a degree search site, Science Technologies/Technicians, Other represents adaptability, workforce readiness, and practical impact. Science technicians are essential to research labs, manufacturing plants, healthcare facilities, environmental monitoring programs, and technology companies. As scientific tools become more advanced and regulated, organizations increasingly rely on skilled technicians who can operate equipment accurately, follow protocols, and ensure reliable results. This degree appeals to students who want a direct, job-focused entry into STEM careers without the heavy theoretical load of research science degrees.
What Is a Science Technologies/Technicians Degree?
A Science Technologies/Technicians, Other degree is an applied education program designed to train students in technical procedures, laboratory operations, and scientific support skills. Programs under this classification are often interdisciplinary or institution-specific, combining elements of biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, materials science, or industrial technology.
This degree typically emphasizes:
- Hands-on laboratory and field techniques
- Operation and maintenance of scientific equipment
- Data collection, verification, and reporting
- Quality control and assurance practices
- Safety, compliance, and documentation
Colleges, technical institutes, and applied universities offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for entry-level and mid-level science technician roles
- Support workforce needs in science, healthcare, and industry
- Provide a faster, more applied pathway into STEM employment
- Allow specialization within broad technical science fields
Programs are commonly offered at the associate or applied bachelor’s level.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how scientific operations function in real-world environments. You’ll gain experience conducting routine tests, operating instruments, following standardized procedures, and supporting experiments, production processes, or monitoring programs. The focus is on reliability, precision, and professional standards rather than theory development.
Curricula are designed to ensure graduates can contribute immediately in technical roles.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Laboratory and technical procedures—sampling, testing, and analysis
- Instrumentation operation—using and maintaining scientific equipment
- Data collection and validation—ensuring accuracy and consistency
- Quality control techniques—detecting errors and deviations
- Safety and regulatory compliance—following lab and workplace standards
- Technical troubleshooting—resolving equipment or process issues
- Documentation and recordkeeping—maintaining logs and reports
- Team collaboration—supporting scientists, engineers, and supervisors
These skills are essential in regulated, precision-driven environments.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies widely but often includes:
- Applied Biology, Chemistry, or Physics: foundational science skills
- Measurement and Instrumentation: analytical and monitoring tools
- Laboratory Safety and Procedures: chemical, biological, and physical safety
- Quality Assurance and Control: standards and inspection methods
- Environmental or Field Sampling: monitoring techniques
- Materials or Process Testing: industrial analysis
- Technical Mathematics: math for measurements and calculations
- Data Recording and Technical Reporting: documentation practices
- Internship or Practicum: supervised on-the-job experience
Programs emphasize applied learning and professional readiness.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Science Technologies/Technicians degree prepares students for immediate employment in technical support roles across many sectors. Career advancement often comes with experience, certifications, or specialization.
Common career paths include:
- Science or Laboratory Technician: supporting experiments and testing
- Quality Control or Quality Assurance Technician: ensuring standards
- Research Support Technician: assisting scientific teams
- Environmental or Field Technician: collecting and analyzing samples
- Manufacturing or Process Technician: supporting production systems
- Materials or Testing Technician: analyzing samples and products
- Instrumentation or Calibration Technician: maintaining equipment
- Specialization or Transfer Path: advancement into focused science fields
This degree is ideal for students seeking stable, hands-on STEM careers.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in applied science environments such as:
- Research laboratories and universities
- Manufacturing and industrial companies
- Healthcare and diagnostic laboratories
- Environmental testing and consulting firms
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Government agencies and public laboratories
- Energy, food, and materials industries
Technicians are essential to maintaining accuracy and efficiency in these settings.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by industry, location, and level of responsibility.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level science technicians: often $40,000–$55,000
- Experienced or specialized technicians: commonly $55,000–$75,000
- Senior or supervisory technical roles: can reach $80,000–$95,000+
Certifications and experience significantly increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other is considered moderately challenging. Academic theory requirements are typically lower than pure science degrees, but the work demands consistency, attention to detail, and responsibility. Students must be comfortable working with equipment, protocols, and safety standards.
The challenge lies in maintaining precision and professionalism every day.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Prefer hands-on technical work
- Enjoy laboratory or field-based environments
- Want a practical, job-focused STEM degree
- Like structured procedures and clear standards
- Are interested in science without extensive theory
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a science technician program:
- Take biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses
- Practice accurate measurement and lab procedures
- Develop strong organization and documentation skills
- Explore career and technical education (CTE) options
- Participate in science labs, clubs, or internships
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other (CIP 41.9999) is an ideal degree for students who want to work at the operational core of science. It offers practical technical skills, strong employability, and flexibility across scientific industries—making it a reliable and efficient pathway into applied STEM careers without requiring a research-heavy academic track.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor