National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $19,051 more (14.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$134,711
$153,762
Average (Mean) Salary
$160,797
$164,071
Total Employment
754,500
20,040
States with Higher Pay
13
30
Salary by State: Lawyers vs Physicists
Showing 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. Lawyers pays more in 13 states; Physicists pays more in 30.
| State | Lawyers | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $131,970 | $139,330 | $-7,360 | ||
| Arizona | $134,260 | $130,500 | +$3,760 | ||
| Arkansas | $98,880 | $135,820 | $-36,940 | ||
| California | $195,080 | $207,490 | $-12,410 | ||
| Colorado | $168,520 | $104,580 | +$63,940 | ||
| Connecticut | $163,600 | $180,300 | $-16,700 | ||
| Delaware | $173,510 | $82,590 | +$90,920 | ||
| District of Columbia | $195,190 | $157,040 | +$38,150 | ||
| Florida | $133,180 | $225,390 | $-92,210 | ||
| Georgia | $134,830 | $144,870 | $-10,040 | ||
| Hawaii | $124,990 | $117,190 | +$7,800 | ||
| Idaho | $103,400 | $135,150 | $-31,750 | ||
| Illinois | $160,800 | $137,140 | +$23,660 | ||
| Indiana | $126,860 | $105,940 | +$20,920 | ||
| Iowa | $123,550 | $178,110 | $-54,560 | ||
| Kentucky | $101,550 | $180,910 | $-79,360 | ||
| Louisiana | $104,100 | $166,240 | $-62,140 | ||
| Maryland | $139,110 | $174,390 | $-35,280 | ||
| Massachusetts | $176,680 | $106,410 | +$70,270 | ||
| Michigan | $130,520 | $94,520 | +$36,000 | ||
| Minnesota | $155,140 | $171,220 | $-16,080 | ||
| Mississippi | $91,690 | $129,970 | $-38,280 | ||
| Missouri | $133,450 | $140,460 | $-7,010 | ||
| Montana | $103,720 | $103,800 | $-80 | ||
| Nevada | $150,510 | $154,030 | $-3,520 | ||
| New Hampshire | $120,810 | $214,030 | $-93,220 | ||
| New Jersey | $161,430 | $163,270 | $-1,840 | ||
| New Mexico | $119,680 | $165,340 | $-45,660 | ||
| New York | $207,860 | $181,970 | +$25,890 | ||
| North Carolina | $127,710 | $174,180 | $-46,470 | ||
| Ohio | $131,020 | $162,900 | $-31,880 | ||
| Oklahoma | $103,060 | $200,050 | $-96,990 | ||
| Oregon | $138,210 | $200,320 | $-62,110 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $157,180 | $210,990 | $-53,810 | ||
| Rhode Island | $138,960 | $155,150 | $-16,190 | ||
| South Carolina | $120,310 | $138,400 | $-18,090 | ||
| South Dakota | $102,040 | $83,050 | +$18,990 | ||
| Tennessee | $136,180 | $165,010 | $-28,830 | ||
| Texas | $154,200 | $184,040 | $-29,840 | ||
| Utah | $132,830 | $156,760 | $-23,930 | ||
| Virginia | $167,210 | $145,040 | +$22,170 | ||
| Washington | $154,130 | $134,790 | +$19,340 | ||
| Wisconsin | $126,760 | $173,120 | $-46,360 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Lawyers vs Physicists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Lawyers or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Lawyers. The national median salary difference is $19,051 (14.1%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Lawyers earn more than a Physicists?
A Lawyers earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 13 out of 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 30 states.
What is the median salary for a Lawyers vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Lawyers is $134,711 per year, compared to $153,762 for a Physicists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Lawyers or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Lawyers. BLS reports approximately 754,500 Lawyers positions and 20,040 Physicists positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Lawyers or Physicists?
Both Lawyers 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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