National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $17,654 more (13.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$136,108
$153,762
Average (Mean) Salary
$138,787
$164,071
Total Employment
42,810
20,040
States with Higher Pay
12
31
Salary by State: Optometrists vs Physicists
Showing 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. Optometrists pays more in 12 states; Physicists pays more in 31.
| State | Optometrists | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $145,090 | $139,330 | +$5,760 | ||
| Arizona | $122,250 | $130,500 | $-8,250 | ||
| Arkansas | $124,470 | $135,820 | $-11,350 | ||
| California | $136,300 | $207,490 | $-71,190 | ||
| Colorado | $152,000 | $104,580 | +$47,420 | ||
| Connecticut | $150,340 | $180,300 | $-29,960 | ||
| Delaware | $161,270 | $82,590 | +$78,680 | ||
| District of Columbia | $134,840 | $157,040 | $-22,200 | ||
| Florida | $151,670 | $225,390 | $-73,720 | ||
| Georgia | $128,830 | $144,870 | $-16,040 | ||
| Hawaii | $154,620 | $117,190 | +$37,430 | ||
| Idaho | $103,390 | $135,150 | $-31,760 | ||
| Illinois | $145,620 | $137,140 | +$8,480 | ||
| Indiana | $135,500 | $105,940 | +$29,560 | ||
| Iowa | $125,380 | $178,110 | $-52,730 | ||
| Kentucky | $128,860 | $180,910 | $-52,050 | ||
| Louisiana | $118,060 | $166,240 | $-48,180 | ||
| Maryland | $165,840 | $174,390 | $-8,550 | ||
| Massachusetts | $151,730 | $106,410 | +$45,320 | ||
| Michigan | $135,650 | $94,520 | +$41,130 | ||
| Minnesota | $158,700 | $171,220 | $-12,520 | ||
| Mississippi | $108,070 | $129,970 | $-21,900 | ||
| Missouri | $133,810 | $140,460 | $-6,650 | ||
| Montana | $104,280 | $103,800 | +$480 | ||
| Nevada | $135,650 | $154,030 | $-18,380 | ||
| New Hampshire | $125,560 | $214,030 | $-88,470 | ||
| New Jersey | $159,040 | $163,270 | $-4,230 | ||
| New Mexico | $144,660 | $165,340 | $-20,680 | ||
| New York | $161,140 | $181,970 | $-20,830 | ||
| North Carolina | $161,560 | $174,180 | $-12,620 | ||
| Ohio | $134,850 | $162,900 | $-28,050 | ||
| Oklahoma | $97,350 | $200,050 | $-102,700 | ||
| Oregon | $132,020 | $200,320 | $-68,300 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $135,400 | $210,990 | $-75,590 | ||
| Rhode Island | $134,520 | $155,150 | $-20,630 | ||
| South Carolina | $145,950 | $138,400 | +$7,550 | ||
| South Dakota | $102,320 | $83,050 | +$19,270 | ||
| Tennessee | $134,170 | $165,010 | $-30,840 | ||
| Texas | $126,000 | $184,040 | $-58,040 | ||
| Utah | $119,070 | $156,760 | $-37,690 | ||
| Virginia | $131,570 | $145,040 | $-13,470 | ||
| Washington | $157,560 | $134,790 | +$22,770 | ||
| Wisconsin | $139,720 | $173,120 | $-33,400 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Optometrists vs Physicists salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $17,654 (13.0%) based on 2025 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 12 out of 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 31 states.
What is the median salary for a Optometrists vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Optometrists is $136,108 per year, compared to $153,762 for a Physicists, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Optometrists or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Optometrists. BLS reports approximately 42,810 Optometrists positions and 20,040 Physicists positions nationwide (2025).
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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