National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $3,300 more (2.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$138,788
$142,088
Average (Mean) Salary
$157,192
$150,629
Total Employment
787,360
16,960
States with Higher Pay
20
18
Salary by State: Financial Managers vs Physicists
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Financial Managers pays more in 20 states; Physicists pays more in 18.
| State | Financial Managers | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $134,080 | $132,930 | +$1,150 | ||
| Arizona | $133,420 | $201,600 | $-68,180 | ||
| Arkansas | $101,230 | $128,640 | $-27,410 | ||
| California | $169,780 | $178,700 | $-8,920 | ||
| Colorado | $168,410 | $137,150 | +$31,260 | ||
| Connecticut | $162,260 | $165,370 | $-3,110 | ||
| District of Columbia | $172,060 | $138,420 | +$33,640 | ||
| Florida | $135,780 | $141,710 | $-5,930 | ||
| Georgia | $159,620 | $200,310 | $-40,690 | ||
| Idaho | $109,000 | $128,470 | $-19,470 | ||
| Illinois | $149,900 | $144,620 | +$5,280 | ||
| Indiana | $125,280 | $120,330 | +$4,950 | ||
| Iowa | $126,230 | $88,720 | +$37,510 | ||
| Kentucky | $122,770 | $126,160 | $-3,390 | ||
| Maine | $129,630 | $118,160 | +$11,470 | ||
| Maryland | $146,860 | $138,130 | +$8,730 | ||
| Massachusetts | $169,870 | $149,990 | +$19,880 | ||
| Michigan | $131,770 | $96,410 | +$35,360 | ||
| Minnesota | $151,000 | $110,110 | +$40,890 | ||
| Mississippi | $95,830 | $116,670 | $-20,840 | ||
| Missouri | $130,990 | $176,520 | $-45,530 | ||
| Nevada | $123,990 | $112,460 | +$11,530 | ||
| New Hampshire | $140,380 | $99,090 | +$41,290 | ||
| New Jersey | $185,430 | $164,330 | +$21,100 | ||
| New Mexico | $115,000 | $171,670 | $-56,670 | ||
| New York | $215,430 | $178,140 | +$37,290 | ||
| North Carolina | $146,860 | $164,950 | $-18,090 | ||
| Ohio | $131,610 | $136,880 | $-5,270 | ||
| Oklahoma | $125,430 | $174,770 | $-49,340 | ||
| Oregon | $137,390 | $179,800 | $-42,410 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $137,770 | $165,600 | $-27,830 | ||
| Rhode Island | $159,390 | $144,020 | +$15,370 | ||
| South Carolina | $125,270 | $127,780 | $-2,510 | ||
| Tennessee | $129,970 | $121,760 | +$8,210 | ||
| Utah | $132,200 | $127,640 | +$4,560 | ||
| Virginia | $166,680 | $128,880 | +$37,800 | ||
| Washington | $168,120 | $106,300 | +$61,820 | ||
| Wisconsin | $133,430 | $156,190 | $-22,760 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Financial Managers or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Financial Managers. The national median salary difference is $3,300 (2.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Financial Managers earn more than a Physicists?
A Financial Managers earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 20 out of 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 18 states.
What is the median salary for a Financial Managers vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Financial Managers is $138,788 per year, compared to $142,088 for a Physicists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Financial Managers or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Financial Managers. BLS reports approximately 787,360 Financial Managers positions and 16,960 Physicists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Financial Managers or Physicists?
Both Financial Managers 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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