National Salary Overview
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Median Salary
$97,459
Average (Mean)
$106,379
Employed Nationwide
8,780
VS
Materials Scientists earns $17,802 more (18.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$97,459
$115,261
Average (Mean) Salary
$106,379
$119,126
Total Employment
8,780
7,950
States with Higher Pay
8
22
Salary by State: Atmospheric and Space Scientists vs Materials Scientists
Showing 30 states where both occupations have BLS data. Atmospheric and Space Scientists pays more in 8 states; Materials Scientists pays more in 22.
| State | Atmospheric and Space Scientists | Materials Scientists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $124,920 | $177,030 | $-52,110 | ||
| Colorado | $104,670 | $117,290 | $-12,620 | ||
| Connecticut | $85,110 | $130,320 | $-45,210 | ||
| District of Columbia | $103,860 | $137,600 | $-33,740 | ||
| Florida | $115,960 | $102,340 | +$13,620 | ||
| Georgia | $96,820 | $91,970 | +$4,850 | ||
| Illinois | $112,280 | $125,850 | $-13,570 | ||
| Indiana | $103,680 | $130,540 | $-26,860 | ||
| Iowa | $76,850 | $88,320 | $-11,470 | ||
| Kansas | $109,300 | $115,490 | $-6,190 | ||
| Maryland | $128,800 | $112,400 | +$16,400 | ||
| Massachusetts | $108,050 | $132,600 | $-24,550 | ||
| Michigan | $103,210 | $107,410 | $-4,200 | ||
| Minnesota | $106,270 | $132,160 | $-25,890 | ||
| Montana | $108,890 | $71,810 | +$37,080 | ||
| Nevada | $109,300 | $97,490 | +$11,810 | ||
| New Hampshire | $42,820 | $119,990 | $-77,170 | ||
| New Jersey | $120,180 | $103,150 | +$17,030 | ||
| New York | $117,540 | $131,740 | $-14,200 | ||
| North Carolina | $91,560 | $106,470 | $-14,910 | ||
| Ohio | $78,580 | $108,830 | $-30,250 | ||
| Oregon | $112,260 | $150,550 | $-38,290 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $75,890 | $106,920 | $-31,030 | ||
| South Carolina | $82,240 | $101,930 | $-19,690 | ||
| Tennessee | $96,190 | $69,010 | +$27,180 | ||
| Texas | $84,990 | $72,700 | +$12,290 | ||
| Utah | $96,520 | $126,840 | $-30,320 | ||
| Virginia | $83,880 | $124,150 | $-40,270 | ||
| Washington | $94,400 | $127,250 | $-32,850 | ||
| Wisconsin | $85,870 | $137,700 | $-51,830 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Atmospheric and Space Scientists vs Materials Scientists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $17,802 (18.3%) based on 2025 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 8 out of 30 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Scientists pays more in 22 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 $97,459 per year, compared to $115,261 for a Materials Scientists, according to 2025 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 8,780 Atmospheric and Space Scientists positions and 7,950 Materials Scientists positions nationwide (2025).
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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