National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $5,752 more (4.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$136,336
$142,088
Average (Mean) Salary
$133,102
$150,629
Total Employment
331,700
16,960
States with Higher Pay
18
20
Salary by State: Pharmacists vs Physicists
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Pharmacists pays more in 18 states; Physicists pays more in 20.
| State | Pharmacists | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $131,880 | $132,930 | $-1,050 | ||
| Arizona | $136,960 | $201,600 | $-64,640 | ||
| Arkansas | $131,510 | $128,640 | +$2,870 | ||
| California | $160,950 | $178,700 | $-17,750 | ||
| Colorado | $144,240 | $137,150 | +$7,090 | ||
| Connecticut | $136,250 | $165,370 | $-29,120 | ||
| District of Columbia | $140,320 | $138,420 | +$1,900 | ||
| Florida | $134,500 | $141,710 | $-7,210 | ||
| Georgia | $131,440 | $200,310 | $-68,870 | ||
| Idaho | $133,580 | $128,470 | +$5,110 | ||
| Illinois | $135,120 | $144,620 | $-9,500 | ||
| Indiana | $134,930 | $120,330 | +$14,600 | ||
| Iowa | $130,890 | $88,720 | +$42,170 | ||
| Kentucky | $131,890 | $126,160 | +$5,730 | ||
| Maine | $135,430 | $118,160 | +$17,270 | ||
| Maryland | $133,400 | $138,130 | $-4,730 | ||
| Massachusetts | $135,200 | $149,990 | $-14,790 | ||
| Michigan | $134,660 | $96,410 | +$38,250 | ||
| Minnesota | $150,170 | $110,110 | +$40,060 | ||
| Mississippi | $130,390 | $116,670 | +$13,720 | ||
| Missouri | $134,450 | $176,520 | $-42,070 | ||
| Nevada | $134,170 | $112,460 | +$21,710 | ||
| New Hampshire | $141,020 | $99,090 | +$41,930 | ||
| New Jersey | $131,190 | $164,330 | $-33,140 | ||
| New Mexico | $134,890 | $171,670 | $-36,780 | ||
| New York | $134,360 | $178,140 | $-43,780 | ||
| North Carolina | $135,370 | $164,950 | $-29,580 | ||
| Ohio | $132,710 | $136,880 | $-4,170 | ||
| Oklahoma | $131,040 | $174,770 | $-43,730 | ||
| Oregon | $154,550 | $179,800 | $-25,250 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $135,640 | $165,600 | $-29,960 | ||
| Rhode Island | $126,380 | $144,020 | $-17,640 | ||
| South Carolina | $134,540 | $127,780 | +$6,760 | ||
| Tennessee | $130,510 | $121,760 | +$8,750 | ||
| Utah | $137,710 | $127,640 | +$10,070 | ||
| Virginia | $137,550 | $128,880 | +$8,670 | ||
| Washington | $153,500 | $106,300 | +$47,200 | ||
| Wisconsin | $139,630 | $156,190 | $-16,560 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Pharmacists or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Pharmacists. The national median salary difference is $5,752 (4.2%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Pharmacists earn more than a Physicists?
A Pharmacists earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 18 out of 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 20 states.
What is the median salary for a Pharmacists vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Pharmacists is $136,336 per year, compared to $142,088 for a Physicists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Pharmacists or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Pharmacists. BLS reports approximately 331,700 Pharmacists positions and 16,960 Physicists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Pharmacists or Physicists?
Both Pharmacists 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.
Explore Career Options
Build a Professional Resume Get Certified & Earn More Learn a New Language Build In-Demand Tech Skills Explore Top Courses Advance Your CareerCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.