Physical Science Technologies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Physical Science Technologies is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to the application of scientific principles from physics, chemistry, and materials science to solve real-world problems through innovation and technical advancement. This program equips learners with the analytical and hands-on expertise needed to design, test, and implement solutions across emerging industries driven by scientific discovery and technological development.
- Materials Science and Engineering: Explores the structure, properties, and performance of advanced materials, including composites, nanomaterials, and smart materials, with applications in manufacturing, aerospace, and biomedical devices.
- Instrumentation and Measurement Technologies: Focuses on the design and use of precision tools and sensors to collect, analyze, and interpret physical data in laboratory, industrial, and environmental settings.
- Thermodynamics and Energy Systems: Examines the principles of heat transfer, energy conversion, and efficiency in systems ranging from power generation to sustainable energy solutions.
- Quantum and Atomic-Level Phenomena: Investigates behavior at the subatomic scale, including quantum mechanics, electron interactions, and atomic structure, foundational to next-generation computing and sensing technologies.
- Environmental and Analytical Chemistry: Applies chemical analysis techniques to monitor and manage environmental pollutants, assess material composition, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Applied Physics and Electromagnetic Systems: Studies the practical implementation of physical laws in electronic devices, wave propagation, optics, and electromagnetic field applications.
Physical Science Technologies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Physical Science Technologies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Physical Science Technologies degrees, including Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other, Hydrologic Technicians and Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health. 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 123,440 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other 19-4099 | $60,130 | $37,310 - $101,870 | 71,400 | $28.91 |
| Hydrologic Technicians 19-4044 | $58,570 | $40,330 - $94,310 | 2,940 | $28.16 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health 19-4042 | $49,490 | $36,130 - $85,630 | 39,390 | $23.79 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians 19-4043 | $48,390 | $32,830 - $92,210 | 9,710 | $23.27 |
Physical Science Technologies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $42,680 in Delaware to $73,550 in District of Columbia—a 72% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Washington, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 123,440 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 Physical Science Technologies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Physical Science Technologies 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 Physical Science Technologies is found at Northern Essex Community College (NECC) (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Essex Community College (NECC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Haverhill, Massachusetts | Public | necc.mass.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Physical Science Technologies programs
How much can I earn with a Physical Science Technologies degree?
Salaries for Physical Science Technologies graduates vary by role and location. Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other earn a median of $60,130 annually, while Hydrologic Technicians earn around $58,570. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $73,550 compared to $42,680 in Delaware. Approximately 123,440 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 Physical Science Technologies programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Physical Science Technologies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Northern Essex Community College (NECC) (5 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 Physical Science Technologies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 5 in 2010 to a peak of 9 in 2020, before declining slightly to 5 in 2023-24. This represents a 0% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Physical Science Technologies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other, Hydrologic Technicians, and Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health. Related occupations employ approximately 123,440 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.
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