National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $55,947 more (57.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$97,815
$153,762
Average (Mean) Salary
$102,596
$164,071
Total Employment
5,250
20,040
States with Higher Pay
2
29
Salary by State: Hydrologists vs Physicists
Showing 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. Hydrologists pays more in 2 states; Physicists pays more in 29.
| State | Hydrologists | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $86,700 | $130,500 | $-43,800 | ||
| California | $122,110 | $207,490 | $-85,380 | ||
| Colorado | $100,840 | $104,580 | $-3,740 | ||
| Florida | $76,850 | $225,390 | $-148,540 | ||
| Georgia | $121,830 | $144,870 | $-23,040 | ||
| Idaho | $78,850 | $135,150 | $-56,300 | ||
| Illinois | $83,720 | $137,140 | $-53,420 | ||
| Indiana | $80,700 | $105,940 | $-25,240 | ||
| Iowa | $81,150 | $178,110 | $-96,960 | ||
| Louisiana | $104,520 | $166,240 | $-61,720 | ||
| Maryland | $143,010 | $174,390 | $-31,380 | ||
| Massachusetts | $119,350 | $106,410 | +$12,940 | ||
| Michigan | $101,060 | $94,520 | +$6,540 | ||
| Minnesota | $94,580 | $171,220 | $-76,640 | ||
| Missouri | $116,100 | $140,460 | $-24,360 | ||
| Montana | $84,500 | $103,800 | $-19,300 | ||
| Nevada | $107,930 | $154,030 | $-46,100 | ||
| New Jersey | $126,680 | $163,270 | $-36,590 | ||
| New Mexico | $97,470 | $165,340 | $-67,870 | ||
| New York | $88,100 | $181,970 | $-93,870 | ||
| North Carolina | $81,770 | $174,180 | $-92,410 | ||
| Ohio | $98,200 | $162,900 | $-64,700 | ||
| Oklahoma | $97,470 | $200,050 | $-102,580 | ||
| Oregon | $93,690 | $200,320 | $-106,630 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $91,730 | $210,990 | $-119,260 | ||
| South Carolina | $65,770 | $138,400 | $-72,630 | ||
| Texas | $81,080 | $184,040 | $-102,960 | ||
| Utah | $94,190 | $156,760 | $-62,570 | ||
| Virginia | $132,080 | $145,040 | $-12,960 | ||
| Washington | $105,600 | $134,790 | $-29,190 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,770 | $173,120 | $-94,350 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Hydrologists vs Physicists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $55,947 (57.2%) based on 2025 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 2 out of 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 29 states.
What is the median salary for a Hydrologists vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Hydrologists is $97,815 per year, compared to $153,762 for a Physicists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Hydrologists or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Physicists. BLS reports approximately 5,250 Hydrologists positions and 20,040 Physicists positions nationwide (2025).
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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