Physical Science Technology at Del Mar College

Corpus Christi, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Physical Science Technologies/Technicians

with a mid-sized student body of 9,038 in Corpus Christi, TX.

Program Analysis

At $56,948/yr, Physical Science Technology graduates from Del Mar College land near the $54,443 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 136.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 37% task exposure — and the 40% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Physical Science Technology graduates.

The median debt load of $5,375 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #8 out of 17 programs, Del Mar College's Physical Science Technology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $56,948 to $110,976 over five years (95% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

With 8 registered apprenticeships mapped to Physical Science Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

69 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
69
Score
72
High End
Earnings $56,948/yr (5% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (63% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$999K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
145.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
7 of 7
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$6,880
Out-of-state: $12,100
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,375
1.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$110,976
95% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Physical Science Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Chemical plant and system operators $73,540 -6.1% 85%
Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other $60,130 +3.5% 45%
Hydrologic technicians $58,570 -2.1% 50%
Chemical plant and system operators
$73,540
-6.1% growth 85% AI-proof
Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other
$60,130
+3.5% growth 45% AI-proof
Hydrologic technicians
$58,570
-2.1% growth 50% AI-proof

View all 7 career paths with full salary data →

Physical Science Technology Career Guide

Physical Science Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Physical Science Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Physical Science Technology Overview

Physical Science Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Del Mar College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 69/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Physical Science Technology at Del Mar College?
This program scores 69/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Physical Science Technology graduates.
How affordable is Physical Science Technology at Del Mar College?
Median debt of just $5,375 against $56,948/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 1 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Are there apprenticeship options for Physical Science Technology?
If Del Mar College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 8 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Physical Science Technology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How could AI change the job market for Physical Science Technology graduates?
The 40% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Physical Science Technology are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →