National Salary Overview
Natural Sciences Managers
Median Salary
$139,938
Average (Mean)
$151,197
Employed Nationwide
103,940
VS
Physicists earns $13,824 more (9.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$139,938
$153,762
Average (Mean) Salary
$151,197
$164,071
Total Employment
103,940
20,040
States with Higher Pay
12
28
Salary by State: Natural Sciences Managers vs Physicists
Showing 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. Natural Sciences Managers pays more in 12 states; Physicists pays more in 28.
| State | Natural Sciences Managers | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $133,470 | $139,330 | $-5,860 | ||
| Arizona | $124,920 | $130,500 | $-5,580 | ||
| Arkansas | $119,430 | $135,820 | $-16,390 | ||
| California | $210,230 | $207,490 | +$2,740 | ||
| Colorado | $152,730 | $104,580 | +$48,150 | ||
| Connecticut | $210,670 | $180,300 | +$30,370 | ||
| District of Columbia | $156,730 | $157,040 | $-310 | ||
| Florida | $112,220 | $225,390 | $-113,170 | ||
| Hawaii | $107,810 | $117,190 | $-9,380 | ||
| Idaho | $124,800 | $135,150 | $-10,350 | ||
| Illinois | $159,670 | $137,140 | +$22,530 | ||
| Indiana | $108,250 | $105,940 | +$2,310 | ||
| Iowa | $109,760 | $178,110 | $-68,350 | ||
| Kentucky | $126,440 | $180,910 | $-54,470 | ||
| Louisiana | $115,950 | $166,240 | $-50,290 | ||
| Maryland | $168,620 | $174,390 | $-5,770 | ||
| Massachusetts | $267,290 | $106,410 | +$160,880 | ||
| Michigan | $129,070 | $94,520 | +$34,550 | ||
| Minnesota | $136,450 | $171,220 | $-34,770 | ||
| Mississippi | $119,430 | $129,970 | $-10,540 | ||
| Missouri | $129,410 | $140,460 | $-11,050 | ||
| Montana | $119,430 | $103,800 | +$15,630 | ||
| Nevada | $112,260 | $154,030 | $-41,770 | ||
| New Hampshire | $134,010 | $214,030 | $-80,020 | ||
| New Jersey | $207,030 | $163,270 | +$43,760 | ||
| New York | $134,680 | $181,970 | $-47,290 | ||
| North Carolina | $173,870 | $174,180 | $-310 | ||
| Ohio | $137,170 | $162,900 | $-25,730 | ||
| Oklahoma | $112,260 | $200,050 | $-87,790 | ||
| Oregon | $143,120 | $200,320 | $-57,200 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $137,900 | $210,990 | $-73,090 | ||
| Rhode Island | $130,480 | $155,150 | $-24,670 | ||
| South Carolina | $131,140 | $138,400 | $-7,260 | ||
| South Dakota | $128,140 | $83,050 | +$45,090 | ||
| Tennessee | $124,530 | $165,010 | $-40,480 | ||
| Texas | $129,960 | $184,040 | $-54,080 | ||
| Utah | $119,430 | $156,760 | $-37,330 | ||
| Virginia | $150,570 | $145,040 | +$5,530 | ||
| Washington | $182,480 | $134,790 | +$47,690 | ||
| Wisconsin | $128,890 | $173,120 | $-44,230 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Natural Sciences Managers vs Physicists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $13,824 (9.9%) based on 2025 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 12 out of 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 28 states.
What is the median salary for a Natural Sciences Managers vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Natural Sciences Managers is $139,938 per year, compared to $153,762 for a Physicists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Natural Sciences Managers or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Natural Sciences Managers. BLS reports approximately 103,940 Natural Sciences Managers positions and 20,040 Physicists positions nationwide (2025).
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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