National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $42,466 more (38.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$111,296
$153,762
Average (Mean) Salary
$120,056
$164,071
Total Employment
14,830
20,040
States with Higher Pay
5
31
Salary by State: Economists vs Physicists
Showing 36 states where both occupations have BLS data. Economists pays more in 5 states; Physicists pays more in 31.
| State | Economists | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $129,960 | $139,330 | $-9,370 | ||
| Arizona | $79,610 | $130,500 | $-50,890 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,560 | $135,820 | $-44,260 | ||
| California | $119,410 | $207,490 | $-88,080 | ||
| Colorado | $121,410 | $104,580 | +$16,830 | ||
| Connecticut | $101,400 | $180,300 | $-78,900 | ||
| Delaware | $159,120 | $82,590 | +$76,530 | ||
| District of Columbia | $167,590 | $157,040 | +$10,550 | ||
| Florida | $102,430 | $225,390 | $-122,960 | ||
| Georgia | $122,570 | $144,870 | $-22,300 | ||
| Hawaii | $83,050 | $117,190 | $-34,140 | ||
| Idaho | $131,270 | $135,150 | $-3,880 | ||
| Indiana | $80,750 | $105,940 | $-25,190 | ||
| Iowa | $96,310 | $178,110 | $-81,800 | ||
| Kentucky | $71,400 | $180,910 | $-109,510 | ||
| Louisiana | $73,050 | $166,240 | $-93,190 | ||
| Maryland | $144,680 | $174,390 | $-29,710 | ||
| Massachusetts | $106,380 | $106,410 | $-30 | ||
| Michigan | $106,350 | $94,520 | +$11,830 | ||
| Minnesota | $105,120 | $171,220 | $-66,100 | ||
| Missouri | $117,010 | $140,460 | $-23,450 | ||
| Montana | $89,340 | $103,800 | $-14,460 | ||
| Nevada | $91,340 | $154,030 | $-62,690 | ||
| New Hampshire | $86,130 | $214,030 | $-127,900 | ||
| New Jersey | $167,550 | $163,270 | +$4,280 | ||
| New York | $136,660 | $181,970 | $-45,310 | ||
| North Carolina | $136,150 | $174,180 | $-38,030 | ||
| Ohio | $120,000 | $162,900 | $-42,900 | ||
| Oklahoma | $89,980 | $200,050 | $-110,070 | ||
| Oregon | $122,120 | $200,320 | $-78,200 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $115,000 | $210,990 | $-95,990 | ||
| Tennessee | $117,650 | $165,010 | $-47,360 | ||
| Texas | $121,420 | $184,040 | $-62,620 | ||
| Virginia | $137,590 | $145,040 | $-7,450 | ||
| Washington | $109,300 | $134,790 | $-25,490 | ||
| Wisconsin | $84,000 | $173,120 | $-89,120 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Economists vs Physicists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $42,466 (38.2%) based on 2025 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 5 out of 36 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 31 states.
What is the median salary for a Economists vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Economists is $111,296 per year, compared to $153,762 for a Physicists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Economists or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Physicists. BLS reports approximately 14,830 Economists positions and 20,040 Physicists positions nationwide (2025).
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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