National Salary Overview
VS
Physical Scientists, All Other
Median Salary
$106,414
Average (Mean)
$110,957
Employed Nationwide
20,420
Physical Scientists, All Other earns $3,903 more (3.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$102,511
$106,414
Average (Mean) Salary
$108,365
$110,957
Total Employment
7,250
20,420
States with Higher Pay
9
15
Salary by State: Materials Scientists vs Physical Scientists, All Other
Showing 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. Materials Scientists pays more in 9 states; Physical Scientists, All Other pays more in 15.
| State | Materials Scientists | Physical Scientists, All Other | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $130,260 | $126,910 | +$3,350 | ||
| Florida | $132,590 | $111,610 | +$20,980 | ||
| Georgia | $92,660 | $113,690 | $-21,030 | ||
| Idaho | $86,390 | $88,340 | $-1,950 | ||
| Illinois | $106,920 | $107,340 | $-420 | ||
| Indiana | $102,130 | $64,890 | +$37,240 | ||
| Iowa | $85,150 | $82,830 | +$2,320 | ||
| Maine | $83,310 | $66,220 | +$17,090 | ||
| Maryland | $105,260 | $134,410 | $-29,150 | ||
| Massachusetts | $120,380 | $125,550 | $-5,170 | ||
| Michigan | $78,480 | $108,510 | $-30,030 | ||
| Minnesota | $102,650 | $152,340 | $-49,690 | ||
| New Jersey | $96,510 | $107,990 | $-11,480 | ||
| New York | $132,310 | $103,900 | +$28,410 | ||
| North Carolina | $108,890 | $103,400 | +$5,490 | ||
| Ohio | $94,110 | $106,450 | $-12,340 | ||
| Oregon | $80,630 | $105,690 | $-25,060 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $98,880 | $101,750 | $-2,870 | ||
| South Carolina | $79,750 | $128,020 | $-48,270 | ||
| Texas | $68,340 | $92,430 | $-24,090 | ||
| Utah | $105,020 | $98,490 | +$6,530 | ||
| Virginia | $118,440 | $143,000 | $-24,560 | ||
| Washington | $118,860 | $120,660 | $-1,800 | ||
| Wisconsin | $97,780 | $88,500 | +$9,280 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Materials Scientists or Physical Scientists, All Other?
On average across all states, a Physical Scientists, All Other earns more than a Materials Scientists. The national median salary difference is $3,903 (3.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Materials Scientists earn more than a Physical Scientists, All Other?
A Materials Scientists earns a higher median salary than a Physical Scientists, All Other in 9 out of 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physical Scientists, All Other pays more in 15 states.
What is the median salary for a Materials Scientists vs Physical Scientists, All Other?
The national median salary for a Materials Scientists is $102,511 per year, compared to $106,414 for a Physical Scientists, All Other, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Materials Scientists or Physical Scientists, All Other?
There are more people employed as Physical Scientists, All Other. BLS reports approximately 7,250 Materials Scientists positions and 20,420 Physical Scientists, All Other positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Materials Scientists or Physical Scientists, All Other?
Both Materials Scientists and Physical Scientists, All Other 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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