National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $13,860 more (10.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$128,228
$142,088
Average (Mean) Salary
$139,121
$150,629
Total Employment
91,050
16,960
States with Higher Pay
15
23
Salary by State: Natural Sciences Managers vs Physicists
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Natural Sciences Managers pays more in 15 states; Physicists pays more in 23.
| State | Natural Sciences Managers | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $112,490 | $132,930 | $-20,440 | ||
| Arizona | $123,240 | $201,600 | $-78,360 | ||
| Arkansas | $118,190 | $128,640 | $-10,450 | ||
| California | $198,580 | $178,700 | +$19,880 | ||
| Colorado | $141,840 | $137,150 | +$4,690 | ||
| Connecticut | $185,340 | $165,370 | +$19,970 | ||
| District of Columbia | $154,420 | $138,420 | +$16,000 | ||
| Florida | $92,490 | $141,710 | $-49,220 | ||
| Georgia | $108,480 | $200,310 | $-91,830 | ||
| Idaho | $101,770 | $128,470 | $-26,700 | ||
| Illinois | $138,340 | $144,620 | $-6,280 | ||
| Indiana | $81,580 | $120,330 | $-38,750 | ||
| Iowa | $100,660 | $88,720 | +$11,940 | ||
| Kentucky | $111,610 | $126,160 | $-14,550 | ||
| Maine | $133,260 | $118,160 | +$15,100 | ||
| Maryland | $158,830 | $138,130 | +$20,700 | ||
| Massachusetts | $214,460 | $149,990 | +$64,470 | ||
| Michigan | $137,660 | $96,410 | +$41,250 | ||
| Minnesota | $134,620 | $110,110 | +$24,510 | ||
| Mississippi | $99,380 | $116,670 | $-17,290 | ||
| Missouri | $121,670 | $176,520 | $-54,850 | ||
| Nevada | $88,340 | $112,460 | $-24,120 | ||
| New Hampshire | $136,640 | $99,090 | +$37,550 | ||
| New Jersey | $188,190 | $164,330 | +$23,860 | ||
| New Mexico | $110,850 | $171,670 | $-60,820 | ||
| New York | $142,150 | $178,140 | $-35,990 | ||
| North Carolina | $163,910 | $164,950 | $-1,040 | ||
| Ohio | $130,230 | $136,880 | $-6,650 | ||
| Oklahoma | $106,950 | $174,770 | $-67,820 | ||
| Oregon | $128,630 | $179,800 | $-51,170 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $126,870 | $165,600 | $-38,730 | ||
| Rhode Island | $136,640 | $144,020 | $-7,380 | ||
| South Carolina | $136,910 | $127,780 | +$9,130 | ||
| Tennessee | $113,090 | $121,760 | $-8,670 | ||
| Utah | $106,740 | $127,640 | $-20,900 | ||
| Virginia | $139,380 | $128,880 | +$10,500 | ||
| Washington | $172,040 | $106,300 | +$65,740 | ||
| Wisconsin | $121,620 | $156,190 | $-34,570 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Natural Sciences Managers or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Natural Sciences Managers. The national median salary difference is $13,860 (10.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Natural Sciences Managers earn more than a Physicists?
A Natural Sciences Managers earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 15 out of 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 23 states.
What is the median salary for a Natural Sciences Managers vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Natural Sciences Managers is $128,228 per year, compared to $142,088 for a Physicists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Natural Sciences Managers or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Natural Sciences Managers. BLS reports approximately 91,050 Natural Sciences Managers positions and 16,960 Physicists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Natural Sciences Managers or Physicists?
Both Natural Sciences Managers 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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