National Salary Overview
VS
Materials Scientists earns $4,269 more (4.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$98,241
$102,511
Average (Mean) Salary
$105,468
$108,365
Total Employment
13,990
7,250
States with Higher Pay
8
12
Salary by State: Economists vs Materials Scientists
Showing 20 states where both occupations have BLS data. Economists pays more in 8 states; Materials Scientists pays more in 12.
| State | Economists | Materials Scientists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $105,950 | $130,260 | $-24,310 | ||
| Florida | $87,500 | $132,590 | $-45,090 | ||
| Idaho | $53,870 | $86,390 | $-32,520 | ||
| Illinois | $105,430 | $106,920 | $-1,490 | ||
| Iowa | $108,210 | $85,150 | +$23,060 | ||
| Maine | $79,290 | $83,310 | $-4,020 | ||
| Maryland | $134,410 | $105,260 | +$29,150 | ||
| Massachusetts | $134,750 | $120,380 | +$14,370 | ||
| Minnesota | $97,020 | $102,650 | $-5,630 | ||
| New Jersey | $97,760 | $96,510 | +$1,250 | ||
| North Carolina | $95,360 | $108,890 | $-13,530 | ||
| Ohio | $108,330 | $94,110 | +$14,220 | ||
| Oregon | $104,530 | $80,630 | +$23,900 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $97,860 | $98,880 | $-1,020 | ||
| South Carolina | $45,030 | $79,750 | $-34,720 | ||
| Texas | $116,870 | $68,340 | +$48,530 | ||
| Utah | $89,270 | $105,020 | $-15,750 | ||
| Virginia | $141,190 | $118,440 | +$22,750 | ||
| Washington | $105,790 | $118,860 | $-13,070 | ||
| Wisconsin | $82,330 | $97,780 | $-15,450 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Economists or Materials Scientists?
On average across all states, a Materials Scientists earns more than a Economists. The national median salary difference is $4,269 (4.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Economists earn more than a Materials Scientists?
A Economists earns a higher median salary than a Materials Scientists in 8 out of 20 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Scientists pays more in 12 states.
What is the median salary for a Economists vs Materials Scientists?
The national median salary for a Economists is $98,241 per year, compared to $102,511 for a Materials Scientists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Economists or Materials Scientists?
There are more people employed as Economists. BLS reports approximately 13,990 Economists positions and 7,250 Materials Scientists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Economists or Materials Scientists?
Both Economists and Materials Scientists 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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