Science Technologies/Technicians, Other Degree
Students study specialized scientific technical skills that may focus on areas like forensic science technology, food science technology, or environmental monitoring. Graduates typically pursue careers as specialized laboratory technicians, forensic technicians, environmental sampling specialists, and quality assurance technicians. These focused technical programs provide direct pathways into specific scientific support roles.
What Science Technologies/Technicians, Other Graduates Do
Your work will be hands-on, supporting scientists in labs and out in the field. One day you might be setting up experiments for a biologist, running tests on samples; the next, you could be outdoors collecting water to monitor for pollutants or gathering rock cores for a geological survey. Your core tasks involve operating specialized instruments, meticulously recording observations, and maintaining the integrity of data collection, whether you’re in a sterile lab or a remote field site.
With experience, you’ll progress from following established procedures to troubleshooting complex equipment, training new technicians, and managing a lab’s quality control. The job market is growing fastest for environmental science technicians, driven by a focus on environmental quality. In contrast, some niche fields like hydrologic technology face hiring headwinds.
AI will automate significant parts of your routine work, like data logging and initial report generation. These roles aren't disappearing, but your focus will shift. Your value will increasingly lie in hands-on fieldwork, maintaining sensitive equipment, and applying human judgment to interpret the unusual results that automated systems flag. Adaptability is key.
Common Career Paths
Where Science Technologies/Technicians, Other graduates typically work, ranked by salary. Salary ranges show 25th–75th percentile spread. This field has roughly 17,900 combined openings per year.
| Career Path | Salary Range | Openings/yr | Growth | AI Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other | 10,600 | +3.5% | 55% | |
| Hydrologic technicians | 400 | -2.1% | 50% | |
| Environmental science and protection technicians, including health | 5,600 | +4.0% | 46% | |
| Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians | 1,300 | +1.5% | 39% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. Salary range shows 25th–median–75th percentile (national).
Best Schools for Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
7 schools ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any row for full AI scenario analysis and earnings projections.
| # | School | DW Score | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ |
58 53–59 |
$60,661/yr | 14.2x |
| 2 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC |
54 50–55 |
$72,274/yr | 19.3x |
| 3 | Campbell University Buies Creek, NC |
50 45–51 |
$59,366/yr | 4.3x |
| 4 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZ |
47 42–48 |
$48,334/yr | 9.9x |
| 5 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ |
45 41–46 |
$44,338/yr | 10.5x |
| 6 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZ |
42 37–43 |
$60,661/yr | — |
| 7 | University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI |
28 27–28 |
$32,099/yr | 6.9x |
Highest Earning Science Technologies/Technicians, Other Programs
Schools where Science Technologies/Technicians, Other graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | DW Score |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | $72,274/yr | 54 |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $60,661/yr | 58 |
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion | $60,661/yr | 42 |
| Campbell University | $59,366/yr | 50 |
| University of Arizona | $48,334/yr | 47 |
| Northern Arizona University | $44,338/yr | 45 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | $32,099/yr | 28 |
Best ROI for Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Science Technologies/Technicians, Other.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | DW Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | 19.3x | $72,274/yr | 54 |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | 14.2x | $60,661/yr | 58 |
| Northern Arizona University | 10.5x | $44,338/yr | 45 |
| University of Arizona | 9.9x | $48,334/yr | 47 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | 6.9x | $32,099/yr | 28 |
| Campbell University | 4.3x | $59,366/yr | 50 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Consider the Trade Route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Science Technologies/Technicians, Other offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.