National Salary Overview
Natural Sciences Managers
Median Salary
$139,938
Average (Mean)
$151,197
Employed Nationwide
103,940
VS
Natural Sciences Managers earns $3,830 more (2.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$139,938
$136,108
Average (Mean) Salary
$151,197
$138,787
Total Employment
103,940
42,810
States with Higher Pay
25
23
Salary by State: Natural Sciences Managers vs Optometrists
Showing 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. Natural Sciences Managers pays more in 25 states; Optometrists pays more in 23.
| State | Natural Sciences Managers | Optometrists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $133,470 | $145,090 | $-11,620 | ||
| Alaska | $130,590 | $170,310 | $-39,720 | ||
| Arizona | $124,920 | $122,250 | +$2,670 | ||
| Arkansas | $119,430 | $124,470 | $-5,040 | ||
| California | $210,230 | $136,300 | +$73,930 | ||
| Colorado | $152,730 | $152,000 | +$730 | ||
| Connecticut | $210,670 | $150,340 | +$60,330 | ||
| District of Columbia | $156,730 | $134,840 | +$21,890 | ||
| Florida | $112,220 | $151,670 | $-39,450 | ||
| Hawaii | $107,810 | $154,620 | $-46,810 | ||
| Idaho | $124,800 | $103,390 | +$21,410 | ||
| Illinois | $159,670 | $145,620 | +$14,050 | ||
| Indiana | $108,250 | $135,500 | $-27,250 | ||
| Iowa | $109,760 | $125,380 | $-15,620 | ||
| Kansas | $153,820 | $138,580 | +$15,240 | ||
| Kentucky | $126,440 | $128,860 | $-2,420 | ||
| Louisiana | $115,950 | $118,060 | $-2,110 | ||
| Maine | $141,360 | $154,110 | $-12,750 | ||
| Maryland | $168,620 | $165,840 | +$2,780 | ||
| Massachusetts | $267,290 | $151,730 | +$115,560 | ||
| Michigan | $129,070 | $135,650 | $-6,580 | ||
| Minnesota | $136,450 | $158,700 | $-22,250 | ||
| Mississippi | $119,430 | $108,070 | +$11,360 | ||
| Missouri | $129,410 | $133,810 | $-4,400 | ||
| Montana | $119,430 | $104,280 | +$15,150 | ||
| Nebraska | $120,620 | $125,040 | $-4,420 | ||
| Nevada | $112,260 | $135,650 | $-23,390 | ||
| New Hampshire | $134,010 | $125,560 | +$8,450 | ||
| New Jersey | $207,030 | $159,040 | +$47,990 | ||
| New York | $134,680 | $161,140 | $-26,460 | ||
| North Carolina | $173,870 | $161,560 | +$12,310 | ||
| North Dakota | $131,370 | $132,110 | $-740 | ||
| Ohio | $137,170 | $134,850 | +$2,320 | ||
| Oklahoma | $112,260 | $97,350 | +$14,910 | ||
| Oregon | $143,120 | $132,020 | +$11,100 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $137,900 | $135,400 | +$2,500 | ||
| Rhode Island | $130,480 | $134,520 | $-4,040 | ||
| South Carolina | $131,140 | $145,950 | $-14,810 | ||
| South Dakota | $128,140 | $102,320 | +$25,820 | ||
| Tennessee | $124,530 | $134,170 | $-9,640 | ||
| Texas | $129,960 | $126,000 | +$3,960 | ||
| Utah | $119,430 | $119,070 | +$360 | ||
| Vermont | $131,290 | $137,290 | $-6,000 | ||
| Virginia | $150,570 | $131,570 | +$19,000 | ||
| Washington | $182,480 | $157,560 | +$24,920 | ||
| West Virginia | $138,010 | $118,010 | +$20,000 | ||
| Wisconsin | $128,890 | $139,720 | $-10,830 | ||
| Wyoming | $109,300 | $111,400 | $-2,100 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Natural Sciences Managers vs Optometrists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Natural Sciences Managers or Optometrists?
On average across all states, a Natural Sciences Managers earns more than a Optometrists. The national median salary difference is $3,830 (2.8%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Natural Sciences Managers earn more than a Optometrists?
A Natural Sciences Managers earns a higher median salary than a Optometrists in 25 out of 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Optometrists pays more in 23 states.
What is the median salary for a Natural Sciences Managers vs Optometrists?
The national median salary for a Natural Sciences Managers is $139,938 per year, compared to $136,108 for a Optometrists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Natural Sciences Managers or Optometrists?
There are more people employed as Natural Sciences Managers. BLS reports approximately 103,940 Natural Sciences Managers positions and 42,810 Optometrists positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Natural Sciences Managers or Optometrists?
Both Natural Sciences Managers and Optometrists 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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