Physical Science Technologies/Technicians at Lamar State College-Orange
with a smaller student body of 1,426 in Orange, TX.
Program Analysis
Lamar State College-Orange's Physical Science Technologies/Technicians program produces graduates earning $49,932/yr — within striking distance of the $54,443 national average for this trade.
With a 145.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 40% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physical Science Technologies/Technicians career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $10,787 in median debt clears fast against $49,932 in annual earnings.
A #10 ranking among 17 Physical Science Technologies/Technicians programs places Lamar State College-Orange in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $49,932-to-$103,271 earnings arc over five years reflects a 107% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.
The 8 apprenticeship pathways connected to Physical Science Technologies/Technicians reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians 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% |
About Physical Science Technologies/Technicians Careers
You could spend your day in a clean lab, preparing chemical solutions and running quality control tests on new materials using instruments like chromatographs and spectrometers. Or, you might be on a manufacturing floor as a chemical equipment operator, monitoring pressure gauges and controlling the complex machinery that produces everything from pharmaceuticals to plastics. As a physical science technician, you are the hands-on expert who makes science work in the real world.
Read the full Physical Science Technologies/Technicians career guide →