National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $50,463 more (55.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$91,625
$142,088
Average (Mean) Salary
$94,789
$150,629
Total Employment
5,380
16,960
States with Higher Pay
1
28
Salary by State: Hydrologists vs Physicists
Showing 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. Hydrologists pays more in 1 states; Physicists pays more in 28.
| State | Hydrologists | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $81,680 | $132,930 | $-51,250 | ||
| Arizona | $74,250 | $201,600 | $-127,350 | ||
| California | $112,350 | $178,700 | $-66,350 | ||
| Colorado | $103,170 | $137,150 | $-33,980 | ||
| Connecticut | $100,430 | $165,370 | $-64,940 | ||
| Florida | $75,390 | $141,710 | $-66,320 | ||
| Idaho | $76,300 | $128,470 | $-52,170 | ||
| Indiana | $81,130 | $120,330 | $-39,200 | ||
| Iowa | $83,030 | $88,720 | $-5,690 | ||
| Maryland | $134,410 | $138,130 | $-3,720 | ||
| Massachusetts | $131,350 | $149,990 | $-18,640 | ||
| Michigan | $97,970 | $96,410 | +$1,560 | ||
| Minnesota | $82,660 | $110,110 | $-27,450 | ||
| Missouri | $107,180 | $176,520 | $-69,340 | ||
| Nevada | $101,320 | $112,460 | $-11,140 | ||
| New Hampshire | $98,490 | $99,090 | $-600 | ||
| New Jersey | $125,840 | $164,330 | $-38,490 | ||
| New Mexico | $91,980 | $171,670 | $-79,690 | ||
| New York | $92,730 | $178,140 | $-85,410 | ||
| North Carolina | $68,390 | $164,950 | $-96,560 | ||
| Ohio | $91,500 | $136,880 | $-45,380 | ||
| Oklahoma | $82,830 | $174,770 | $-91,940 | ||
| Oregon | $86,490 | $179,800 | $-93,310 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $79,580 | $165,600 | $-86,020 | ||
| South Carolina | $59,920 | $127,780 | $-67,860 | ||
| Utah | $93,840 | $127,640 | $-33,800 | ||
| Virginia | $119,700 | $128,880 | $-9,180 | ||
| Washington | $93,120 | $106,300 | $-13,180 | ||
| Wisconsin | $72,800 | $156,190 | $-83,390 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Hydrologists or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Hydrologists. The national median salary difference is $50,463 (55.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Hydrologists earn more than a Physicists?
A Hydrologists earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 1 out of 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 28 states.
What is the median salary for a Hydrologists vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Hydrologists is $91,625 per year, compared to $142,088 for a Physicists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Hydrologists or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Physicists. BLS reports approximately 5,380 Hydrologists positions and 16,960 Physicists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Hydrologists or Physicists?
Both Hydrologists 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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