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Physical Science Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA

$61K - $80K/yr

Summary About the Position: This position is located at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood Texas. * A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized. * Salary negotiation may be ...

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Physical Science Technician information

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$28.5K

$55.2K

$91K

How much do physical science technician jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical science technician in the United States is $55,188.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physical Science Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physical Science Technician, you generally need a solid background in chemistry, physics, or related sciences, supported by at least an associate degree or equivalent laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, data analysis software, and safety protocols is typically required, and certifications like OSHA or HAZWOPER can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe laboratory practices, and reliable support for scientific research or industrial processes.

What are some common challenges Physical Science Technicians face when conducting fieldwork, and how can they be addressed?

Physical Science Technicians often encounter unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and logistical issues during fieldwork. To address these challenges, technicians are trained in safety protocols, proper equipment handling, and contingency planning. Effective communication and collaboration with team members are essential for adapting to changing circumstances and ensuring data integrity. Preparing thoroughly before field assignments and staying adaptable are key to overcoming these obstacles.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those working in specialized fields such as chemical, biological, or medical laboratories, with salaries increasing for those with advanced certifications, extensive experience, or working in high-demand industries. Typically, medical or clinical laboratory technicians with additional training or supervisory roles tend to earn higher salaries, which can exceed $70,000 annually in some cases.

What is the difference between Physical Science Technician vs Chemist?

AspectPhysical Science TechnicianChemist
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in physical sciences or related fieldBachelor's degree in chemistry or related field; advanced roles may require a master's or Ph.D.
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field sites, government agenciesResearch labs, industrial settings, academic institutions
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, research institutions, manufacturingPharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, research institutions

Physical Science Technicians support scientific research and experiments, often focusing on data collection and analysis, while Chemists conduct experiments, develop compounds, and analyze chemical substances. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What kind of job can you get with a physical science degree?

A physical science degree can qualify you for roles such as a physical science technician, research assistant, laboratory analyst, or quality control specialist. These jobs often involve conducting experiments, analyzing data, and working with scientific equipment in laboratory or field settings, sometimes requiring certifications or security clearances.

What does a physical science technician do?

A physical science technician assists scientists and engineers by conducting experiments, collecting data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They often work in research settings, using tools like spectrometers and microscopes, and may need technical certifications or training in laboratory procedures.

What Does a Physical Science Technician Do?

A physical science technician assists with scientific research and projects, typically within various departments and agencies of the federal government. As a physical science technician, you may be employed by departments such as agriculture, interior, commerce, the navy or air force—and your duties may vary as widely as these departments. For example, you may work in astronomy, physics, chemistry, engineering, geology, or metallurgy (to name just a few). You help perform tests in labs or in the field, collect and analyze data, then use that data to help programs achieve their individual goals. You also inspect equipment and ensure the veracity of experiments.

What are the highest paying technician jobs?

High-paying technician jobs include roles such as nuclear, petroleum, and aerospace technicians, often requiring specialized skills and certifications. These positions typically offer higher salaries due to the technical expertise, safety requirements, and industry demand involved in their work.
More about Physical Science Technician jobs
What cities are hiring for Physical Science Technician jobs? Cities with the most Physical Science Technician job openings:
What states have the most Physical Science Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Physical Science Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Physical Science Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Physical Science Technician jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Physical Science Technician jobs? For Physical Science Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Physical Science Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physical Science Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,188 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

U.S. Pacific Fleet

Bremerton, WA • On-site, Remote

$40K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Summary
This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
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Duties
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  • You will identify deviations from normal or anticipated radiation levels to determine if the deviations are transient, instrument is defective, shielding has moved, or equipment or area has higher than expected radiation levels.
  • You will monitor requirements for controlling radiation in storage, decontamination, and control points of activity.
  • You will perform and interpret air, water, and surface radiation surveys.
  • You will maintain surveillance over contaminated tool, equipment, and storage areas.
  • You will maintain required Shipyard and radiological control technician qualifications as directed.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You will be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  • You will be required to wear personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, coveralls, glasses, goggles, respirators and safety shoes continuously for the duration of the work shift.
  • This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.
  • Work is performed in areas where potentially harmful physical and chemical agents are present (e.g. fumes, dust, heat, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation and chemicals). You will be required to participate in medical surveillance programs.
  • You will be required to lift and/or carry loads/items up to 50 pounds in weight.

Qualifications
To qualify for the GS-05: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-04 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: conducting radiation control surveillance of activities, personnel, or materials to ensure radiological control inspection requirements are appropriately recorded, maintained, and met.
To qualify for the GS-04: Your resume must demonstrate at least 6 months of general experience in physical science or a related field, and 6 months of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-03 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: performing basic radiological control checks to ensure results of analysis or documented procedures performed are correctly recorded in accordance with standardized procedures and operations.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series; AND https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/physical-science-technician-series-1311/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Education
The following education may be substituted for specialized experience as follows:
For the GS-05: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study above the high school level leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with a major study in an appropriate field of physical science or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics.
For the GS-04: Successful completion of 2 years of education above the high school level that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics.
Additional information
This announcement uses the Defense Industrial Base, Major Range and Test Facilities direct hire authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to certain positions in the competitive service.
This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
This position requires rotating shift work.
This position is subject to work an uncommon tour, including nights, weekends, and holidays to meet mission requirements. Overtime or night differential pay and/or unusual duty hours may be required.
This position requires exposure to high noise levels.
Vacancies filled from this announcement may be filled at any grade level listed.
Pay retention may be granted when certain conditions are met.
Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees.
If selected below the full performance level, you may be noncompetitively promoted to the next higher grade level after meeting all regulatory requirements, and upon the recommendation of management. Promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf
Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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