Physical Sciences is a specialized field of study. Graduates typically earn around $68,944 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 214 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 2,747 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$41,504
Median Earnings · 4yr
$68,944
Colleges Offering
214
Graduates / Year
2,747
Avg Net Price / yr
$9,528
How Much Do Physical Sciences Graduates Earn?
Physical Sciences graduates earn $68,944 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $47,921 and $91,964. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $41,504 climbs to $68,944 by year four.
$41,504
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$68,944
4-Year National Median
Above the national median for college graduates.
$68,781
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Physical Sciences graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$47,92125th pct.
$68,944Median
$91,96475th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $68,944 against an estimated $38,112 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 95 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 2,747 students who complete Physical Sciences programs each year, the majority (84%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
84%
Associate's84%
Bachelor's13%
Master's2%
What Can You Do With a Physical Sciences Degree?
Physical Sciences connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.
Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
Top Colleges for Physical Sciences
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Physical Sciences students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Physical Sciences program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Physical Sciences shows 4 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $68,944 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $41,504 at graduation to $68,944 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 74,700 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
High upside potentialTop earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $91,964, a strong ceiling for high performers.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
Physical Sciences graduates earn a national median of $68,944 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $47,921 and $91,964. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Physical Sciences degree?
One year after graduation, Physical Sciences degree holders earn a median of $41,504. That climbs to $68,944 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Physical Sciences degree?
Physical Sciences degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Physical Sciences program take?
A Physical Sciences associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Physical Sciences?
214 colleges and universities in the United States offer Physical Sciences programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Physical Sciences degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $68,944 and an average net price of roughly $9,528/yr, a Physical Sciences degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What skills do employers look for in Physical Sciences graduates?
Employers hiring Physical Sciences graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Physical Sciences graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Physical Sciences graduates?
The job outlook for Physical Sciences graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +1.1% job growth over the next 10 years. Natural Sciences Managers is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Physical Sciences Programs
Other programs in Physical Sciences. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
H
How to Choose a Major Pillar
A decision framework for picking a college major using your interests, aptitudes, and federal earnings data to reach a defensible choice before applying.
The real cost of a second major, when it pays back and when it doesn't, and why a focused single major with a relevant minor often beats a double major.
Why the 10-year job-growth outlook often matters more than today's salary, what the BLS projections measure, and how to use them to weigh the future of a field, not just its present.
Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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Does Engineering Tech Out-Earn Engineering? The Data Says No
A popular claim holds that the applied engineering-tech degree pays more than the theoretical one. Across every program, engineering wins by about $10,000.
Engineering tech
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STEM Is Not One Thing: The Pay Gap Within STEM
Across 88 STEM programs the top one out-earns the bottom by $65,000 a year. Operations research pays $122,531; environmental design pays $57,461.
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Major choice
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