National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $12,500 more (9.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$129,588
$142,088
Average (Mean) Salary
$136,502
$150,629
Total Employment
39,900
16,960
States with Higher Pay
11
26
Salary by State: Optometrists vs Physicists
Showing 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. Optometrists pays more in 11 states; Physicists pays more in 26.
| State | Optometrists | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $117,900 | $132,930 | $-15,030 | ||
| Arizona | $133,500 | $201,600 | $-68,100 | ||
| Arkansas | $129,680 | $128,640 | +$1,040 | ||
| California | $134,020 | $178,700 | $-44,680 | ||
| Colorado | $136,900 | $137,150 | $-250 | ||
| Connecticut | $147,260 | $165,370 | $-18,110 | ||
| District of Columbia | $149,990 | $138,420 | +$11,570 | ||
| Florida | $125,480 | $141,710 | $-16,230 | ||
| Georgia | $119,900 | $200,310 | $-80,410 | ||
| Idaho | $82,790 | $128,470 | $-45,680 | ||
| Illinois | $131,060 | $144,620 | $-13,560 | ||
| Indiana | $119,950 | $120,330 | $-380 | ||
| Iowa | $122,320 | $88,720 | +$33,600 | ||
| Kentucky | $130,210 | $126,160 | +$4,050 | ||
| Maine | $134,220 | $118,160 | +$16,060 | ||
| Maryland | $163,510 | $138,130 | +$25,380 | ||
| Massachusetts | $144,920 | $149,990 | $-5,070 | ||
| Michigan | $128,680 | $96,410 | +$32,270 | ||
| Minnesota | $137,210 | $110,110 | +$27,100 | ||
| Mississippi | $105,530 | $116,670 | $-11,140 | ||
| Missouri | $98,800 | $176,520 | $-77,720 | ||
| Nevada | $118,040 | $112,460 | +$5,580 | ||
| New Hampshire | $129,720 | $99,090 | +$30,630 | ||
| New Jersey | $146,700 | $164,330 | $-17,630 | ||
| New Mexico | $155,060 | $171,670 | $-16,610 | ||
| New York | $157,480 | $178,140 | $-20,660 | ||
| North Carolina | $154,560 | $164,950 | $-10,390 | ||
| Ohio | $126,650 | $136,880 | $-10,230 | ||
| Oklahoma | $97,670 | $174,770 | $-77,100 | ||
| Oregon | $132,200 | $179,800 | $-47,600 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $137,560 | $165,600 | $-28,040 | ||
| Rhode Island | $135,160 | $144,020 | $-8,860 | ||
| South Carolina | $124,190 | $127,780 | $-3,590 | ||
| Tennessee | $107,510 | $121,760 | $-14,250 | ||
| Utah | $121,250 | $127,640 | $-6,390 | ||
| Washington | $143,160 | $106,300 | +$36,860 | ||
| Wisconsin | $136,630 | $156,190 | $-19,560 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Optometrists or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Optometrists. The national median salary difference is $12,500 (9.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Optometrists earn more than a Physicists?
A Optometrists earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 11 out of 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 26 states.
What is the median salary for a Optometrists vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Optometrists is $129,588 per year, compared to $142,088 for a Physicists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Optometrists or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Optometrists. BLS reports approximately 39,900 Optometrists positions and 16,960 Physicists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Optometrists or Physicists?
Both Optometrists 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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