Physical Science Technologies/Technicians at Lee College
serving 5,118 students in Baytown, TX.
Program Analysis
At $94,986 per year, Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates from Lee College significantly outpace the $54,443 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
With a 287.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 23% 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.
The median debt load of $8,225 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
At #1 of 17 programs, this Physical Science Technologies/Technicians program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.
A 29% earnings increase from $94,986 to $122,708 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
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 →