Physical Science Technology at Texas State Technical College

Waco, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Physical Science Technologies/Technicians

serving 9,153 students in Waco, TX.

Program Analysis

Texas State Technical College's Physical Science Technology graduates start at $42,769/yr, trailing the $54,443 national average by 21%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 31.1x 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 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Physical Science Technology graduates.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,084 in median debt clears fast against $42,769 in annual earnings.

At #16 out of 17 programs, Texas State Technical College's financial outcomes for Physical Science Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
50
Score
52
High End
Earnings $42,769/yr (-21% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (63% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$447K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
31.1x
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)
$14,384
Out-of-state: $23,684
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,084
2.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$39,983
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Physical Science Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

Read the full Physical Science Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Physical Science Technology Overview

Physical Science Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Texas State Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Texas State Technical College's Physical Science Technology program score?
At 50/100, the score looks reasonable — but Physical Science Technology is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How affordable is Physical Science Technology at Texas State Technical College?
Median debt of just $9,084 against $42,769/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Is Texas State Technical College a good choice for Physical Science Technology despite lower starting pay?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn Physical Science Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Texas State Technical College?
There are 8 registered apprenticeships connected to Physical Science Technology occupations, such as Chemical Engineering Technician and Chemical Laboratory Technician. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →