National Salary Overview
VS
Dentists, General earns $21,944 more (14.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$175,707
$153,762
Average (Mean) Salary
$190,475
$164,071
Total Employment
121,230
20,040
States with Higher Pay
28
12
Salary by State: Dentists, General vs Physicists
Showing 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. Dentists, General pays more in 28 states; Physicists pays more in 12.
| State | Dentists, General | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $194,180 | $130,500 | +$63,680 | ||
| Arkansas | $178,930 | $135,820 | +$43,110 | ||
| California | $165,950 | $207,490 | $-41,540 | ||
| Colorado | $166,240 | $104,580 | +$61,660 | ||
| Connecticut | $160,440 | $180,300 | $-19,860 | ||
| Florida | $174,900 | $225,390 | $-50,490 | ||
| Georgia | $206,760 | $144,870 | +$61,890 | ||
| Hawaii | $167,820 | $117,190 | +$50,630 | ||
| Idaho | $124,190 | $135,150 | $-10,960 | ||
| Illinois | $156,110 | $137,140 | +$18,970 | ||
| Indiana | $166,650 | $105,940 | +$60,710 | ||
| Iowa | $181,520 | $178,110 | +$3,410 | ||
| Kentucky | $134,160 | $180,910 | $-46,750 | ||
| Louisiana | $170,750 | $166,240 | +$4,510 | ||
| Maryland | $168,500 | $174,390 | $-5,890 | ||
| Massachusetts | $181,600 | $106,410 | +$75,190 | ||
| Michigan | $169,930 | $94,520 | +$75,410 | ||
| Minnesota | $219,200 | $171,220 | +$47,980 | ||
| Mississippi | $143,660 | $129,970 | +$13,690 | ||
| Missouri | $204,960 | $140,460 | +$64,500 | ||
| Montana | $167,200 | $103,800 | +$63,400 | ||
| Nevada | $162,200 | $154,030 | +$8,170 | ||
| New Hampshire | $177,480 | $214,030 | $-36,550 | ||
| New Jersey | $171,330 | $163,270 | +$8,060 | ||
| New Mexico | $155,260 | $165,340 | $-10,080 | ||
| New York | $183,060 | $181,970 | +$1,090 | ||
| North Carolina | $207,000 | $174,180 | +$32,820 | ||
| Ohio | $167,410 | $162,900 | +$4,510 | ||
| Oklahoma | $166,170 | $200,050 | $-33,880 | ||
| Oregon | $211,690 | $200,320 | +$11,370 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $163,390 | $210,990 | $-47,600 | ||
| Rhode Island | $161,560 | $155,150 | +$6,410 | ||
| South Carolina | $158,640 | $138,400 | +$20,240 | ||
| South Dakota | $158,140 | $83,050 | +$75,090 | ||
| Tennessee | $215,290 | $165,010 | +$50,280 | ||
| Texas | $162,360 | $184,040 | $-21,680 | ||
| Utah | $133,320 | $156,760 | $-23,440 | ||
| Virginia | $197,110 | $145,040 | +$52,070 | ||
| Washington | $169,730 | $134,790 | +$34,940 | ||
| Wisconsin | $193,690 | $173,120 | +$20,570 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Dentists, General vs Physicists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $21,944 (14.3%) based on 2025 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 28 out of 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 12 states.
What is the median salary for a Dentists, General vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Dentists, General is $175,707 per year, compared to $153,762 for a Physicists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Dentists, General or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Dentists, General. BLS reports approximately 121,230 Dentists, General positions and 20,040 Physicists positions nationwide (2025).
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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