Physical Scientists, All Other vs Physicists: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Physical Scientists, All Other

Median Salary
$106,414
Average (Mean)
$110,957
Employed Nationwide
20,420
VS

Physicists

Median Salary
$142,088
Average (Mean)
$150,629
Employed Nationwide
16,960
Physicists earns $35,674 more (33.5%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $106,414 $142,088
Average (Mean) Salary $110,957 $150,629
Total Employment 20,420 16,960
States with Higher Pay 7 28

Salary by State: Physical Scientists, All Other vs Physicists

Showing 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. Physical Scientists, All Other pays more in 7 states; Physicists pays more in 28.

State Physical Scientists, All Other Physicists Difference
Alabama $109,080
$132,930
$-23,850
Arizona $109,510
$201,600
$-92,090
California $126,910
$178,700
$-51,790
Colorado $123,590
$137,150
$-13,560
Connecticut $104,190
$165,370
$-61,180
District of Columbia $154,420
$138,420
+$16,000
Florida $111,610
$141,710
$-30,100
Georgia $113,690
$200,310
$-86,620
Idaho $88,340
$128,470
$-40,130
Illinois $107,340
$144,620
$-37,280
Indiana $64,890
$120,330
$-55,440
Iowa $82,830
$88,720
$-5,890
Kentucky $63,710
$126,160
$-62,450
Maine $66,220
$118,160
$-51,940
Maryland $134,410
$138,130
$-3,720
Massachusetts $125,550
$149,990
$-24,440
Michigan $108,510
$96,410
+$12,100
Minnesota $152,340
$110,110
+$42,230
Mississippi $99,130
$116,670
$-17,540
Missouri $109,890
$176,520
$-66,630
Nevada $101,040
$112,460
$-11,420
New Jersey $107,990
$164,330
$-56,340
New Mexico $123,760
$171,670
$-47,910
New York $103,900
$178,140
$-74,240
North Carolina $103,400
$164,950
$-61,550
Ohio $106,450
$136,880
$-30,430
Oklahoma $108,330
$174,770
$-66,440
Oregon $105,690
$179,800
$-74,110
Pennsylvania $101,750
$165,600
$-63,850
South Carolina $128,020
$127,780
+$240
Tennessee $124,760
$121,760
+$3,000
Utah $98,490
$127,640
$-29,150
Virginia $143,000
$128,880
+$14,120
Washington $120,660
$106,300
+$14,360
Wisconsin $88,500
$156,190
$-67,690

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Physical Scientists, All Other or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Physical Scientists, All Other. The national median salary difference is $35,674 (33.5%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Physical Scientists, All Other earn more than a Physicists?
A Physical Scientists, All Other earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 7 out of 35 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 28 states.
What is the median salary for a Physical Scientists, All Other vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Physical Scientists, All Other is $106,414 per year, compared to $142,088 for a Physicists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Physical Scientists, All Other or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Physical Scientists, All Other. BLS reports approximately 20,420 Physical Scientists, All Other positions and 16,960 Physicists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Physical Scientists, All Other or Physicists?
Both Physical Scientists, All Other 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.