Physical Science Technologies/Technicians at San Jacinto Community College

Pasadena, TX · Public · Associate Degree

serving a student body of 23,071 in Pasadena, TX.

Program Analysis

San Jacinto Community College's Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates start at $59,496/yr — above the $54,443 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 227.2x 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 35% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,750 in median debt clears fast against $59,496 in annual earnings.

Ranked #3 out of 17 programs, San Jacinto Community College's Physical Science Technologies/Technicians program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $59,496 to $87,629 shows 47% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

72 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
67
Low End
72
Score
74
High End
Earnings $59,496/yr (9% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (63% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$956K
10.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
239.9x
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)
$3,984
Out-of-state: $10,704
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,750
2.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$87,629
47% growth from Year 1

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%
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 →

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 →

Compare & Explore

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians Overview

Physical Science Technologies/Technicians at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians at San Jacinto Community College?
At 72/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
What's the typical debt for Physical Science Technologies/Technicians graduates from San Jacinto Community College?
Median debt of just $9,750 against $59,496/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 2 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
What makes San Jacinto Community College's Physical Science Technologies/Technicians program stand out?
The #3 ranking out of 17 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Can I learn Physical Science Technologies/Technicians through an apprenticeship instead?
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians connects to 8 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
How sensitive is Physical Science Technologies/Technicians to AI disruption?
The 35% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Physical Science Technologies/Technicians are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →