National Salary Overview
VS
Materials Scientists earns $17,446 more (17.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$97,815
$115,261
Average (Mean) Salary
$102,596
$119,126
Total Employment
5,250
7,950
States with Higher Pay
7
18
Salary by State: Hydrologists vs Materials Scientists
Showing 25 states where both occupations have BLS data. Hydrologists pays more in 7 states; Materials Scientists pays more in 18.
| State | Hydrologists | Materials Scientists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $122,110 | $177,030 | $-54,920 | ||
| Colorado | $100,840 | $117,290 | $-16,450 | ||
| Florida | $76,850 | $102,340 | $-25,490 | ||
| Georgia | $121,830 | $91,970 | +$29,860 | ||
| Illinois | $83,720 | $125,850 | $-42,130 | ||
| Indiana | $80,700 | $130,540 | $-49,840 | ||
| Iowa | $81,150 | $88,320 | $-7,170 | ||
| Maryland | $143,010 | $112,400 | +$30,610 | ||
| Massachusetts | $119,350 | $132,600 | $-13,250 | ||
| Michigan | $101,060 | $107,410 | $-6,350 | ||
| Minnesota | $94,580 | $132,160 | $-37,580 | ||
| Montana | $84,500 | $71,810 | +$12,690 | ||
| Nevada | $107,930 | $97,490 | +$10,440 | ||
| New Jersey | $126,680 | $103,150 | +$23,530 | ||
| New York | $88,100 | $131,740 | $-43,640 | ||
| North Carolina | $81,770 | $106,470 | $-24,700 | ||
| Ohio | $98,200 | $108,830 | $-10,630 | ||
| Oregon | $93,690 | $150,550 | $-56,860 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $91,730 | $106,920 | $-15,190 | ||
| South Carolina | $65,770 | $101,930 | $-36,160 | ||
| Texas | $81,080 | $72,700 | +$8,380 | ||
| Utah | $94,190 | $126,840 | $-32,650 | ||
| Virginia | $132,080 | $124,150 | +$7,930 | ||
| Washington | $105,600 | $127,250 | $-21,650 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,770 | $137,700 | $-58,930 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Hydrologists vs Materials Scientists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $17,446 (17.8%) based on 2025 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 25 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Scientists pays more in 18 states.
What is the median salary for a Hydrologists vs Materials Scientists?
The national median salary for a Hydrologists is $97,815 per year, compared to $115,261 for a Materials Scientists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Hydrologists or Materials Scientists?
There are more people employed as Materials Scientists. BLS reports approximately 5,250 Hydrologists positions and 7,950 Materials Scientists positions nationwide (2025).
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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