National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $39,577 more (38.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$102,511
$142,088
Average (Mean) Salary
$108,365
$150,629
Total Employment
7,250
16,960
States with Higher Pay
2
22
Salary by State: Materials Scientists vs Physicists
Showing 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. Materials Scientists pays more in 2 states; Physicists pays more in 22.
| State | Materials Scientists | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $130,260 | $178,700 | $-48,440 | ||
| Florida | $132,590 | $141,710 | $-9,120 | ||
| Georgia | $92,660 | $200,310 | $-107,650 | ||
| Idaho | $86,390 | $128,470 | $-42,080 | ||
| Illinois | $106,920 | $144,620 | $-37,700 | ||
| Indiana | $102,130 | $120,330 | $-18,200 | ||
| Iowa | $85,150 | $88,720 | $-3,570 | ||
| Maine | $83,310 | $118,160 | $-34,850 | ||
| Maryland | $105,260 | $138,130 | $-32,870 | ||
| Massachusetts | $120,380 | $149,990 | $-29,610 | ||
| Michigan | $78,480 | $96,410 | $-17,930 | ||
| Minnesota | $102,650 | $110,110 | $-7,460 | ||
| New Hampshire | $129,070 | $99,090 | +$29,980 | ||
| New Jersey | $96,510 | $164,330 | $-67,820 | ||
| New York | $132,310 | $178,140 | $-45,830 | ||
| North Carolina | $108,890 | $164,950 | $-56,060 | ||
| Ohio | $94,110 | $136,880 | $-42,770 | ||
| Oregon | $80,630 | $179,800 | $-99,170 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $98,880 | $165,600 | $-66,720 | ||
| South Carolina | $79,750 | $127,780 | $-48,030 | ||
| Utah | $105,020 | $127,640 | $-22,620 | ||
| Virginia | $118,440 | $128,880 | $-10,440 | ||
| Washington | $118,860 | $106,300 | +$12,560 | ||
| Wisconsin | $97,780 | $156,190 | $-58,410 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Materials Scientists or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Materials Scientists. The national median salary difference is $39,577 (38.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Materials Scientists earn more than a Physicists?
A Materials Scientists earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 2 out of 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 22 states.
What is the median salary for a Materials Scientists vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Materials Scientists is $102,511 per year, compared to $142,088 for a Physicists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Materials Scientists or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Physicists. BLS reports approximately 7,250 Materials Scientists positions and 16,960 Physicists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Materials Scientists or Physicists?
Both Materials Scientists 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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