National Salary Overview
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Median Salary
$97,459
Average (Mean)
$106,379
Employed Nationwide
8,780
VS
Physicists earns $56,303 more (57.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$97,459
$153,762
Average (Mean) Salary
$106,379
$164,071
Total Employment
8,780
20,040
States with Higher Pay
5
35
Salary by State: Atmospheric and Space Scientists vs Physicists
Showing 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. Atmospheric and Space Scientists pays more in 5 states; Physicists pays more in 35.
| State | Atmospheric and Space Scientists | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $81,080 | $139,330 | $-58,250 | ||
| Arizona | $115,020 | $130,500 | $-15,480 | ||
| Arkansas | $71,940 | $135,820 | $-63,880 | ||
| California | $124,920 | $207,490 | $-82,570 | ||
| Colorado | $104,670 | $104,580 | +$90 | ||
| Connecticut | $85,110 | $180,300 | $-95,190 | ||
| District of Columbia | $103,860 | $157,040 | $-53,180 | ||
| Florida | $115,960 | $225,390 | $-109,430 | ||
| Georgia | $96,820 | $144,870 | $-48,050 | ||
| Hawaii | $121,010 | $117,190 | +$3,820 | ||
| Idaho | $119,430 | $135,150 | $-15,720 | ||
| Illinois | $112,280 | $137,140 | $-24,860 | ||
| Indiana | $103,680 | $105,940 | $-2,260 | ||
| Iowa | $76,850 | $178,110 | $-101,260 | ||
| Kentucky | $103,240 | $180,910 | $-77,670 | ||
| Louisiana | $97,470 | $166,240 | $-68,770 | ||
| Maryland | $128,800 | $174,390 | $-45,590 | ||
| Massachusetts | $108,050 | $106,410 | +$1,640 | ||
| Michigan | $103,210 | $94,520 | +$8,690 | ||
| Minnesota | $106,270 | $171,220 | $-64,950 | ||
| Missouri | $114,230 | $140,460 | $-26,230 | ||
| Montana | $108,890 | $103,800 | +$5,090 | ||
| Nevada | $109,300 | $154,030 | $-44,730 | ||
| New Hampshire | $42,820 | $214,030 | $-171,210 | ||
| New Jersey | $120,180 | $163,270 | $-43,090 | ||
| New Mexico | $110,070 | $165,340 | $-55,270 | ||
| New York | $117,540 | $181,970 | $-64,430 | ||
| North Carolina | $91,560 | $174,180 | $-82,620 | ||
| Ohio | $78,580 | $162,900 | $-84,320 | ||
| Oklahoma | $76,480 | $200,050 | $-123,570 | ||
| Oregon | $112,260 | $200,320 | $-88,060 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $75,890 | $210,990 | $-135,100 | ||
| South Carolina | $82,240 | $138,400 | $-56,160 | ||
| South Dakota | $78,900 | $83,050 | $-4,150 | ||
| Tennessee | $96,190 | $165,010 | $-68,820 | ||
| Texas | $84,990 | $184,040 | $-99,050 | ||
| Utah | $96,520 | $156,760 | $-60,240 | ||
| Virginia | $83,880 | $145,040 | $-61,160 | ||
| Washington | $94,400 | $134,790 | $-40,390 | ||
| Wisconsin | $85,870 | $173,120 | $-87,250 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Atmospheric and Space Scientists vs Physicists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Atmospheric and Space Scientists or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Atmospheric and Space Scientists. The national median salary difference is $56,303 (57.8%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Atmospheric and Space Scientists earn more than a Physicists?
A Atmospheric and Space Scientists earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 5 out of 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 35 states.
What is the median salary for a Atmospheric and Space Scientists vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Atmospheric and Space Scientists is $97,459 per year, compared to $153,762 for a Physicists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Atmospheric and Space Scientists or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Physicists. BLS reports approximately 8,780 Atmospheric and Space Scientists positions and 20,040 Physicists positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Atmospheric and Space Scientists or Physicists?
Both Atmospheric and Space Scientists and Physicists 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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