National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $38,501 more (33.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$115,261
$153,762
Average (Mean) Salary
$119,126
$164,071
Total Employment
7,950
20,040
States with Higher Pay
4
25
Salary by State: Materials Scientists vs Physicists
Showing 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. Materials Scientists pays more in 4 states; Physicists pays more in 25.
| State | Materials Scientists | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $177,030 | $207,490 | $-30,460 | ||
| Colorado | $117,290 | $104,580 | +$12,710 | ||
| Connecticut | $130,320 | $180,300 | $-49,980 | ||
| District of Columbia | $137,600 | $157,040 | $-19,440 | ||
| Florida | $102,340 | $225,390 | $-123,050 | ||
| Georgia | $91,970 | $144,870 | $-52,900 | ||
| Illinois | $125,850 | $137,140 | $-11,290 | ||
| Indiana | $130,540 | $105,940 | +$24,600 | ||
| Iowa | $88,320 | $178,110 | $-89,790 | ||
| Maryland | $112,400 | $174,390 | $-61,990 | ||
| Massachusetts | $132,600 | $106,410 | +$26,190 | ||
| Michigan | $107,410 | $94,520 | +$12,890 | ||
| Minnesota | $132,160 | $171,220 | $-39,060 | ||
| Montana | $71,810 | $103,800 | $-31,990 | ||
| Nevada | $97,490 | $154,030 | $-56,540 | ||
| New Hampshire | $119,990 | $214,030 | $-94,040 | ||
| New Jersey | $103,150 | $163,270 | $-60,120 | ||
| New York | $131,740 | $181,970 | $-50,230 | ||
| North Carolina | $106,470 | $174,180 | $-67,710 | ||
| Ohio | $108,830 | $162,900 | $-54,070 | ||
| Oregon | $150,550 | $200,320 | $-49,770 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $106,920 | $210,990 | $-104,070 | ||
| South Carolina | $101,930 | $138,400 | $-36,470 | ||
| Tennessee | $69,010 | $165,010 | $-96,000 | ||
| Texas | $72,700 | $184,040 | $-111,340 | ||
| Utah | $126,840 | $156,760 | $-29,920 | ||
| Virginia | $124,150 | $145,040 | $-20,890 | ||
| Washington | $127,250 | $134,790 | $-7,540 | ||
| Wisconsin | $137,700 | $173,120 | $-35,420 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Materials Scientists vs Physicists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $38,501 (33.4%) based on 2025 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 4 out of 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 25 states.
What is the median salary for a Materials Scientists vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Materials Scientists is $115,261 per year, compared to $153,762 for a Physicists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Materials Scientists or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Physicists. BLS reports approximately 7,950 Materials Scientists positions and 20,040 Physicists positions nationwide (2025).
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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