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Major · Engineering/engineering-related Technologies/technician

Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology/Technician

A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using industrial polymers. Includes instruction in the principles of macromolecular chemistry, polymerization and plastic manufacturing processes and equipment, design and operational testing procedures, equipment maintenance and repair procedures, safety procedures, applications to specific products, and report preparation.

Schools offering
16
Annual completions
81
Typical degree level
Associate's + Bachelor's
Median earnings (5yr)
$79k

About this major

A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using industrial polymers. Includes instruction in the principles of macromolecular chemistry, polymerization and plastic manufacturing processes and equipment, design and operational testing procedures, equipment maintenance and repair procedures, safety procedures, applications to specific products, and report preparation.

Section 3 · Careers

Where this major leads

Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.

Occupation Median wage Job growth Typical education
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77k +1.5% Associate's degree
Section 4 · Earnings

Earnings at a glance

Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.

Median 5-year earnings

$79k

Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings

Associate's

$79k

Bachelor's

$80k

Section 6 · Where to study

Top colleges for Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology/Technician

Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.

College Location Assoc. Bach. Total
Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI 12 18 30
Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KS 0 15 15
Everett Community College Everett, WA 10 0 10
Cerritos College Norwalk, CA 9 0 9
Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MI 6 0 6
Shawnee State University Portsmouth, OH 1 5 6
Edmonds College Lynnwood, WA 3 0 3
Westmoreland County Community College Youngwood, PA 1 0 1
Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PA 1 0 1
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Martinsburg, WV 0 0 0
Section 9 · Frequently asked

Common questions

What can I do with a Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology/Technician degree?
Graduates commonly pursue careers such as Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other.
Is a Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology/Technician associate's enough, or do I need a bachelor's?
Both credentials exist. The associate's is typically faster and cheaper; the bachelor's unlocks higher-earning roles. See our earnings table above.
How many colleges offer Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology/Technician?
16 colleges offered this major in the most recent IPEDS year, graduating about 81 students a year combined.