National Salary Overview
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Median Salary
$91,210
Average (Mean)
$96,471
Employed Nationwide
7,860
VS
Physical Scientists, All Other
Median Salary
$106,414
Average (Mean)
$110,957
Employed Nationwide
20,420
Physical Scientists, All Other earns $15,203 more (16.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$91,210
$106,414
Average (Mean) Salary
$96,471
$110,957
Total Employment
7,860
20,420
States with Higher Pay
13
24
Salary by State: Atmospheric and Space Scientists vs Physical Scientists, All Other
Showing 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. Atmospheric and Space Scientists pays more in 13 states; Physical Scientists, All Other pays more in 24.
| State | Atmospheric and Space Scientists | Physical Scientists, All Other | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $77,160 | $109,080 | $-31,920 | ||
| Alaska | $93,350 | $111,090 | $-17,740 | ||
| Arizona | $75,910 | $109,510 | $-33,600 | ||
| California | $114,900 | $126,910 | $-12,010 | ||
| Colorado | $103,960 | $123,590 | $-19,630 | ||
| District of Columbia | $97,180 | $154,420 | $-57,240 | ||
| Florida | $80,290 | $111,610 | $-31,320 | ||
| Georgia | $84,440 | $113,690 | $-29,250 | ||
| Hawaii | $112,670 | $105,080 | +$7,590 | ||
| Idaho | $107,660 | $88,340 | +$19,320 | ||
| Illinois | $61,400 | $107,340 | $-45,940 | ||
| Indiana | $98,050 | $64,890 | +$33,160 | ||
| Iowa | $91,960 | $82,830 | +$9,130 | ||
| Kansas | $58,050 | $116,560 | $-58,510 | ||
| Kentucky | $71,410 | $63,710 | +$7,700 | ||
| Louisiana | $91,100 | $86,550 | +$4,550 | ||
| Maine | $95,990 | $66,220 | +$29,770 | ||
| Maryland | $110,870 | $134,410 | $-23,540 | ||
| Michigan | $89,370 | $108,510 | $-19,140 | ||
| Mississippi | $74,000 | $99,130 | $-25,130 | ||
| Missouri | $113,240 | $109,890 | +$3,350 | ||
| Montana | $98,490 | $80,240 | +$18,250 | ||
| Nevada | $96,220 | $101,040 | $-4,820 | ||
| New Jersey | $116,020 | $107,990 | +$8,030 | ||
| New Mexico | $105,060 | $123,760 | $-18,700 | ||
| North Carolina | $102,150 | $103,400 | $-1,250 | ||
| Ohio | $77,490 | $106,450 | $-28,960 | ||
| Oklahoma | $79,490 | $108,330 | $-28,840 | ||
| Oregon | $107,660 | $105,690 | +$1,970 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $83,830 | $101,750 | $-17,920 | ||
| South Carolina | $96,730 | $128,020 | $-31,290 | ||
| Tennessee | $96,620 | $124,760 | $-28,140 | ||
| Texas | $77,950 | $92,430 | $-14,480 | ||
| Virginia | $108,230 | $143,000 | $-34,770 | ||
| West Virginia | $69,340 | $100,380 | $-31,040 | ||
| Wisconsin | $101,770 | $88,500 | +$13,270 | ||
| Wyoming | $108,330 | $61,580 | +$46,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Atmospheric and Space Scientists or Physical Scientists, All Other?
On average across all states, a Physical Scientists, All Other earns more than a Atmospheric and Space Scientists. The national median salary difference is $15,203 (16.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Atmospheric and Space Scientists earn more than a Physical Scientists, All Other?
A Atmospheric and Space Scientists earns a higher median salary than a Physical Scientists, All Other in 13 out of 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physical Scientists, All Other pays more in 24 states.
What is the median salary for a Atmospheric and Space Scientists vs Physical Scientists, All Other?
The national median salary for a Atmospheric and Space Scientists is $91,210 per year, compared to $106,414 for a Physical Scientists, All Other, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Atmospheric and Space Scientists or Physical Scientists, All Other?
There are more people employed as Physical Scientists, All Other. BLS reports approximately 7,860 Atmospheric and Space Scientists positions and 20,420 Physical Scientists, All Other positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Atmospheric and Space Scientists or Physical Scientists, All Other?
Both Atmospheric and Space Scientists and Physical Scientists, All Other 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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