National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $43,847 more (44.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$98,241
$142,088
Average (Mean) Salary
$105,468
$150,629
Total Employment
13,990
16,960
States with Higher Pay
3
28
Salary by State: Economists vs Physicists
Showing 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. Economists pays more in 3 states; Physicists pays more in 28.
| State | Economists | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $100,970 | $132,930 | $-31,960 | ||
| Arizona | $98,740 | $201,600 | $-102,860 | ||
| Arkansas | $72,470 | $128,640 | $-56,170 | ||
| California | $105,950 | $178,700 | $-72,750 | ||
| Colorado | $105,060 | $137,150 | $-32,090 | ||
| Connecticut | $110,530 | $165,370 | $-54,840 | ||
| District of Columbia | $158,830 | $138,420 | +$20,410 | ||
| Florida | $87,500 | $141,710 | $-54,210 | ||
| Idaho | $53,870 | $128,470 | $-74,600 | ||
| Illinois | $105,430 | $144,620 | $-39,190 | ||
| Iowa | $108,210 | $88,720 | +$19,490 | ||
| Kentucky | $70,800 | $126,160 | $-55,360 | ||
| Maine | $79,290 | $118,160 | $-38,870 | ||
| Maryland | $134,410 | $138,130 | $-3,720 | ||
| Massachusetts | $134,750 | $149,990 | $-15,240 | ||
| Minnesota | $97,020 | $110,110 | $-13,090 | ||
| Missouri | $109,890 | $176,520 | $-66,630 | ||
| Nevada | $72,590 | $112,460 | $-39,870 | ||
| New Jersey | $97,760 | $164,330 | $-66,570 | ||
| New Mexico | $74,800 | $171,670 | $-96,870 | ||
| North Carolina | $95,360 | $164,950 | $-69,590 | ||
| Ohio | $108,330 | $136,880 | $-28,550 | ||
| Oklahoma | $126,160 | $174,770 | $-48,610 | ||
| Oregon | $104,530 | $179,800 | $-75,270 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $97,860 | $165,600 | $-67,740 | ||
| South Carolina | $45,030 | $127,780 | $-82,750 | ||
| Tennessee | $81,640 | $121,760 | $-40,120 | ||
| Utah | $89,270 | $127,640 | $-38,370 | ||
| Virginia | $141,190 | $128,880 | +$12,310 | ||
| Washington | $105,790 | $106,300 | $-510 | ||
| Wisconsin | $82,330 | $156,190 | $-73,860 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Economists or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Economists. The national median salary difference is $43,847 (44.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Economists earn more than a Physicists?
A Economists earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 3 out of 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 28 states.
What is the median salary for a Economists vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Economists is $98,241 per year, compared to $142,088 for a Physicists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Economists or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Physicists. BLS reports approximately 13,990 Economists positions and 16,960 Physicists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Economists or Physicists?
Both Economists 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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