National Salary Overview
VS
Chief Executives earns $58,856 more (38.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$212,618
$153,762
Average (Mean) Salary
$263,025
$164,071
Total Employment
145,980
20,040
States with Higher Pay
32
6
Salary by State: Chief Executives vs Physicists
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chief Executives pays more in 32 states; Physicists pays more in 6.
| State | Chief Executives | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $166,420 | $139,330 | +$27,090 | ||
| Arkansas | $119,990 | $135,820 | $-15,830 | ||
| California | $218,600 | $207,490 | +$11,110 | ||
| Colorado | $213,370 | $104,580 | +$108,790 | ||
| Connecticut | $295,120 | $180,300 | +$114,820 | ||
| Delaware | $199,990 | $82,590 | +$117,400 | ||
| Georgia | $208,180 | $144,870 | +$63,310 | ||
| Hawaii | $281,640 | $117,190 | +$164,450 | ||
| Idaho | $177,210 | $135,150 | +$42,060 | ||
| Illinois | $331,920 | $137,140 | +$194,780 | ||
| Indiana | $254,180 | $105,940 | +$148,240 | ||
| Iowa | $211,190 | $178,110 | +$33,080 | ||
| Kentucky | $179,530 | $180,910 | $-1,380 | ||
| Maryland | $248,660 | $174,390 | +$74,270 | ||
| Michigan | $255,560 | $94,520 | +$161,040 | ||
| Minnesota | $195,670 | $171,220 | +$24,450 | ||
| Mississippi | $139,250 | $129,970 | +$9,280 | ||
| Missouri | $172,320 | $140,460 | +$31,860 | ||
| Montana | $182,340 | $103,800 | +$78,540 | ||
| Nevada | $149,770 | $154,030 | $-4,260 | ||
| New Hampshire | $168,590 | $214,030 | $-45,440 | ||
| New Jersey | $310,440 | $163,270 | +$147,170 | ||
| New Mexico | $123,500 | $165,340 | $-41,840 | ||
| New York | $257,980 | $181,970 | +$76,010 | ||
| North Carolina | $314,290 | $174,180 | +$140,110 | ||
| Ohio | $176,440 | $162,900 | +$13,540 | ||
| Oklahoma | $163,790 | $200,050 | $-36,260 | ||
| Oregon | $341,630 | $200,320 | +$141,310 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $232,560 | $210,990 | +$21,570 | ||
| Rhode Island | $235,360 | $155,150 | +$80,210 | ||
| South Carolina | $168,840 | $138,400 | +$30,440 | ||
| South Dakota | $280,900 | $83,050 | +$197,850 | ||
| Tennessee | $198,830 | $165,010 | +$33,820 | ||
| Texas | $257,850 | $184,040 | +$73,810 | ||
| Utah | $171,880 | $156,760 | +$15,120 | ||
| Virginia | $310,740 | $145,040 | +$165,700 | ||
| Washington | $339,810 | $134,790 | +$205,020 | ||
| Wisconsin | $208,350 | $173,120 | +$35,230 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chief Executives vs Physicists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chief Executives or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Chief Executives earns more than a Physicists. The national median salary difference is $58,856 (38.3%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chief Executives earn more than a Physicists?
A Chief Executives earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 32 out of 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 6 states.
What is the median salary for a Chief Executives vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Chief Executives is $212,618 per year, compared to $153,762 for a Physicists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chief Executives or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Chief Executives. BLS reports approximately 145,980 Chief Executives positions and 20,040 Physicists positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Chief Executives or Physicists?
Both Chief Executives 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.
Explore Career Options
Build My Resume Get Certified & Earn More Find Remote & Flexible Jobs Learn a New LanguageCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.