National Salary Overview
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Median Salary
$136,904
Average (Mean)
$150,261
Employed Nationwide
21,540
VS
Physicists earns $16,857 more (12.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$136,904
$153,762
Average (Mean) Salary
$150,261
$164,071
Total Employment
21,540
20,040
States with Higher Pay
12
29
Salary by State: Compensation and Benefits Managers vs Physicists
Showing 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. Compensation and Benefits Managers pays more in 12 states; Physicists pays more in 29.
| State | Compensation and Benefits Managers | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $118,470 | $139,330 | $-20,860 | ||
| Arizona | $129,890 | $130,500 | $-610 | ||
| Arkansas | $100,810 | $135,820 | $-35,010 | ||
| California | $166,730 | $207,490 | $-40,760 | ||
| Colorado | $165,770 | $104,580 | +$61,190 | ||
| Connecticut | $197,970 | $180,300 | +$17,670 | ||
| Delaware | $166,070 | $82,590 | +$83,480 | ||
| District of Columbia | $160,990 | $157,040 | +$3,950 | ||
| Florida | $127,960 | $225,390 | $-97,430 | ||
| Georgia | $163,060 | $144,870 | +$18,190 | ||
| Hawaii | $110,120 | $117,190 | $-7,070 | ||
| Idaho | $90,020 | $135,150 | $-45,130 | ||
| Illinois | $151,730 | $137,140 | +$14,590 | ||
| Indiana | $118,180 | $105,940 | +$12,240 | ||
| Iowa | $118,250 | $178,110 | $-59,860 | ||
| Kentucky | $114,290 | $180,910 | $-66,620 | ||
| Louisiana | $99,840 | $166,240 | $-66,400 | ||
| Maryland | $139,860 | $174,390 | $-34,530 | ||
| Massachusetts | $184,070 | $106,410 | +$77,660 | ||
| Michigan | $151,620 | $94,520 | +$57,100 | ||
| Minnesota | $163,390 | $171,220 | $-7,830 | ||
| Mississippi | $89,250 | $129,970 | $-40,720 | ||
| Missouri | $106,490 | $140,460 | $-33,970 | ||
| Nevada | $115,180 | $154,030 | $-38,850 | ||
| New Hampshire | $136,950 | $214,030 | $-77,080 | ||
| New Jersey | $168,370 | $163,270 | +$5,100 | ||
| New Mexico | $124,390 | $165,340 | $-40,950 | ||
| New York | $175,620 | $181,970 | $-6,350 | ||
| North Carolina | $135,240 | $174,180 | $-38,940 | ||
| Ohio | $141,920 | $162,900 | $-20,980 | ||
| Oklahoma | $107,760 | $200,050 | $-92,290 | ||
| Oregon | $161,470 | $200,320 | $-38,850 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $139,040 | $210,990 | $-71,950 | ||
| Rhode Island | $149,340 | $155,150 | $-5,810 | ||
| South Carolina | $99,630 | $138,400 | $-38,770 | ||
| Tennessee | $132,780 | $165,010 | $-32,230 | ||
| Texas | $136,930 | $184,040 | $-47,110 | ||
| Utah | $132,620 | $156,760 | $-24,140 | ||
| Virginia | $153,660 | $145,040 | +$8,620 | ||
| Washington | $199,190 | $134,790 | +$64,400 | ||
| Wisconsin | $127,920 | $173,120 | $-45,200 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Compensation and Benefits Managers vs Physicists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Compensation and Benefits Managers or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Compensation and Benefits Managers. The national median salary difference is $16,857 (12.3%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Compensation and Benefits Managers earn more than a Physicists?
A Compensation and Benefits Managers earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 12 out of 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 29 states.
What is the median salary for a Compensation and Benefits Managers vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Compensation and Benefits Managers is $136,904 per year, compared to $153,762 for a Physicists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Compensation and Benefits Managers or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Compensation and Benefits Managers. BLS reports approximately 21,540 Compensation and Benefits Managers positions and 20,040 Physicists positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Compensation and Benefits Managers or Physicists?
Both Compensation and Benefits Managers 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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