National Salary Overview
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Median Salary
$91,210
Average (Mean)
$96,471
Employed Nationwide
7,860
VS
Materials Scientists earns $11,300 more (12.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$91,210
$102,511
Average (Mean) Salary
$96,471
$108,365
Total Employment
7,860
7,250
States with Higher Pay
10
10
Salary by State: Atmospheric and Space Scientists vs Materials Scientists
Showing 20 states where both occupations have BLS data. Atmospheric and Space Scientists pays more in 10 states; Materials Scientists pays more in 10.
| State | Atmospheric and Space Scientists | Materials Scientists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $114,900 | $130,260 | $-15,360 | ||
| Florida | $80,290 | $132,590 | $-52,300 | ||
| Georgia | $84,440 | $92,660 | $-8,220 | ||
| Idaho | $107,660 | $86,390 | +$21,270 | ||
| Illinois | $61,400 | $106,920 | $-45,520 | ||
| Indiana | $98,050 | $102,130 | $-4,080 | ||
| Iowa | $91,960 | $85,150 | +$6,810 | ||
| Maine | $95,990 | $83,310 | +$12,680 | ||
| Maryland | $110,870 | $105,260 | +$5,610 | ||
| Michigan | $89,370 | $78,480 | +$10,890 | ||
| New Hampshire | $57,650 | $129,070 | $-71,420 | ||
| New Jersey | $116,020 | $96,510 | +$19,510 | ||
| North Carolina | $102,150 | $108,890 | $-6,740 | ||
| Ohio | $77,490 | $94,110 | $-16,620 | ||
| Oregon | $107,660 | $80,630 | +$27,030 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $83,830 | $98,880 | $-15,050 | ||
| South Carolina | $96,730 | $79,750 | +$16,980 | ||
| Texas | $77,950 | $68,340 | +$9,610 | ||
| Virginia | $108,230 | $118,440 | $-10,210 | ||
| Wisconsin | $101,770 | $97,780 | +$3,990 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Atmospheric and Space Scientists or Materials Scientists?
On average across all states, a Materials Scientists earns more than a Atmospheric and Space Scientists. The national median salary difference is $11,300 (12.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Atmospheric and Space Scientists earn more than a Materials Scientists?
A Atmospheric and Space Scientists earns a higher median salary than a Materials Scientists in 10 out of 20 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Scientists pays more in 10 states.
What is the median salary for a Atmospheric and Space Scientists vs Materials Scientists?
The national median salary for a Atmospheric and Space Scientists is $91,210 per year, compared to $102,511 for a Materials Scientists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Atmospheric and Space Scientists or Materials Scientists?
There are more people employed as Atmospheric and Space Scientists. BLS reports approximately 7,860 Atmospheric and Space Scientists positions and 7,250 Materials Scientists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Atmospheric and Space Scientists or Materials Scientists?
Both Atmospheric and Space Scientists and Materials Scientists are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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