National Salary Overview
VS
Dentists, General earns $26,328 more (18.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$168,417
$142,088
Average (Mean) Salary
$185,925
$150,629
Total Employment
111,940
16,960
States with Higher Pay
26
8
Salary by State: Dentists, General vs Physicists
Showing 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. Dentists, General pays more in 26 states; Physicists pays more in 8.
| State | Dentists, General | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $161,300 | $132,930 | +$28,370 | ||
| Arizona | $217,570 | $201,600 | +$15,970 | ||
| Arkansas | $161,010 | $128,640 | +$32,370 | ||
| California | $167,010 | $178,700 | $-11,690 | ||
| Colorado | $133,860 | $137,150 | $-3,290 | ||
| Connecticut | $183,240 | $165,370 | +$17,870 | ||
| Florida | $165,110 | $141,710 | +$23,400 | ||
| Georgia | $177,060 | $200,310 | $-23,250 | ||
| Idaho | $168,820 | $128,470 | +$40,350 | ||
| Illinois | $159,290 | $144,620 | +$14,670 | ||
| Indiana | $162,110 | $120,330 | +$41,780 | ||
| Iowa | $162,430 | $88,720 | +$73,710 | ||
| Kentucky | $144,360 | $126,160 | +$18,200 | ||
| Maine | $206,000 | $118,160 | +$87,840 | ||
| Maryland | $182,000 | $138,130 | +$43,870 | ||
| Michigan | $161,720 | $96,410 | +$65,310 | ||
| Minnesota | $200,570 | $110,110 | +$90,460 | ||
| Mississippi | $105,510 | $116,670 | $-11,160 | ||
| Nevada | $128,400 | $112,460 | +$15,940 | ||
| New Hampshire | $178,770 | $99,090 | +$79,680 | ||
| New Mexico | $182,250 | $171,670 | +$10,580 | ||
| New York | $157,910 | $178,140 | $-20,230 | ||
| North Carolina | $177,420 | $164,950 | +$12,470 | ||
| Ohio | $166,980 | $136,880 | +$30,100 | ||
| Oklahoma | $164,670 | $174,770 | $-10,100 | ||
| Oregon | $166,470 | $179,800 | $-13,330 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $165,620 | $165,600 | +$20 | ||
| Rhode Island | $223,830 | $144,020 | +$79,810 | ||
| South Carolina | $155,050 | $127,780 | +$27,270 | ||
| Tennessee | $150,220 | $121,760 | +$28,460 | ||
| Utah | $127,570 | $127,640 | $-70 | ||
| Virginia | $173,780 | $128,880 | +$44,900 | ||
| Washington | $171,010 | $106,300 | +$64,710 | ||
| Wisconsin | $170,850 | $156,190 | +$14,660 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Dentists, General or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Dentists, General earns more than a Physicists. The national median salary difference is $26,328 (18.5%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Dentists, General earn more than a Physicists?
A Dentists, General earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 26 out of 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 8 states.
What is the median salary for a Dentists, General vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Dentists, General is $168,417 per year, compared to $142,088 for a Physicists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Dentists, General or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Dentists, General. BLS reports approximately 111,940 Dentists, General positions and 16,960 Physicists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Dentists, General or Physicists?
Both Dentists, General 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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