National Salary Overview
VS
Materials Scientists earns $10,885 more (11.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$91,625
$102,511
Average (Mean) Salary
$94,789
$108,365
Total Employment
5,380
7,250
States with Higher Pay
7
15
Salary by State: Hydrologists vs Materials Scientists
Showing 22 states where both occupations have BLS data. Hydrologists pays more in 7 states; Materials Scientists pays more in 15.
| State | Hydrologists | Materials Scientists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $112,350 | $130,260 | $-17,910 | ||
| Florida | $75,390 | $132,590 | $-57,200 | ||
| Idaho | $76,300 | $86,390 | $-10,090 | ||
| Indiana | $81,130 | $102,130 | $-21,000 | ||
| Iowa | $83,030 | $85,150 | $-2,120 | ||
| Maryland | $134,410 | $105,260 | +$29,150 | ||
| Massachusetts | $131,350 | $120,380 | +$10,970 | ||
| Michigan | $97,970 | $78,480 | +$19,490 | ||
| Minnesota | $82,660 | $102,650 | $-19,990 | ||
| New Hampshire | $98,490 | $129,070 | $-30,580 | ||
| New Jersey | $125,840 | $96,510 | +$29,330 | ||
| New York | $92,730 | $132,310 | $-39,580 | ||
| North Carolina | $68,390 | $108,890 | $-40,500 | ||
| Ohio | $91,500 | $94,110 | $-2,610 | ||
| Oregon | $86,490 | $80,630 | +$5,860 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $79,580 | $98,880 | $-19,300 | ||
| South Carolina | $59,920 | $79,750 | $-19,830 | ||
| Texas | $82,890 | $68,340 | +$14,550 | ||
| Utah | $93,840 | $105,020 | $-11,180 | ||
| Virginia | $119,700 | $118,440 | +$1,260 | ||
| Washington | $93,120 | $118,860 | $-25,740 | ||
| Wisconsin | $72,800 | $97,780 | $-24,980 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Hydrologists or Materials Scientists?
On average across all states, a Materials Scientists earns more than a Hydrologists. The national median salary difference is $10,885 (11.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Hydrologists earn more than a Materials Scientists?
A Hydrologists earns a higher median salary than a Materials Scientists in 7 out of 22 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Scientists pays more in 15 states.
What is the median salary for a Hydrologists vs Materials Scientists?
The national median salary for a Hydrologists is $91,625 per year, compared to $102,511 for a Materials Scientists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Hydrologists or Materials Scientists?
There are more people employed as Materials Scientists. BLS reports approximately 5,380 Hydrologists positions and 7,250 Materials Scientists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Hydrologists or Materials Scientists?
Both Hydrologists 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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