Nanotechnology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Nanotechnology is an advanced interdisciplinary field focused on understanding, controlling, and engineering materials and systems at the nanoscale—typically between 1 and 100 nanometers. This program equips students with the foundational knowledge and technical expertise to innovate at the molecular level, driving breakthroughs across industries such as healthcare, energy, computing, and advanced manufacturing.
- Materials Science: Explores the synthesis, characterization, and behavior of materials at the nanoscale, emphasizing how atomic structure influences physical, chemical, and mechanical properties.
- Thermodynamics at the Nanoscale: Investigates energy transfer and equilibrium phenomena in systems where traditional macroscopic laws require modification due to size-dependent effects.
- Nanomaterials: Focuses on the development and application of novel materials like carbon nanotubes, graphene, quantum dots, and metal-organic frameworks with enhanced performance characteristics.
- Nanoelectronics: Examines the design and functionality of electronic components and circuits at the nanometer scale, enabling faster, smaller, and more efficient devices.
- Nano/Micro Device Fabrication and Testing: Provides hands-on training in precision manufacturing techniques such as lithography, etching, and deposition, along with methods for evaluating device performance and reliability.
Nanotechnology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Nanotechnology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Nanotechnology degrees, including Engineers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 150,750 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
Nanotechnology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $69,210 in Kansas to $167,270 in District of Columbia—a 142% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Alabama, and New Mexico. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 150,750 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Nanotechnology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 13 institutions offering Nanotechnology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Nanotechnology is found at Rice University (32 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (25 graduates), Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (9 graduates), Rio Salado College (7 graduates), and University of Central Florida (UCF) (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 108 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
32 | Houston, Texas | Private | rice.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
25 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Other Award
|
9 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Rio Salado College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
7 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | rio.maricopa.edu |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Master's
|
7 | Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Master's
|
7 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) |
Master's
|
6 | Utica, New York | Public | sunypoly.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Master's
|
3 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| South Dakota School of Mines and Technology |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Rapid City, South Dakota | Public | sdsmt.edu |
| Oakton College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Des Plaines, Illinois | Public | oakton.edu |
| Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Blue Bell, Pennsylvania | Public | mc3.edu |
| Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | slcc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Nanotechnology programs
How much can I earn with a Nanotechnology degree?
Salaries for Nanotechnology graduates vary by role and location. Engineers, All Other earn a median of $117,750 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $167,270 compared to $69,210 in Kansas. Approximately 150,750 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Nanotechnology programs?
Currently 13 accredited institutions offer Nanotechnology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Rice University (32 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (25 graduates), and Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Nanotechnology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 27 in 2010 to a peak of 128 in 2020, before declining slightly to 108 in 2023-24. This represents a 300% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Nanotechnology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 150,750 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Eng. Technologies Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Eng. Technologies field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Mechanical Engineering Technologies
Any instructional program in mechanical engineering-related technologies not listed above.
Mining Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in the...
Petroleum Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in the...
Mining and Petroleum Technologies
Any instructional program in mining and petroleum engineering technologies not listed above.
Construction Engineering Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers, engineering contractors and other professionals engaged...
Surveying Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the delineation, determination, planning and positioning of land tracts, land and...