National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $13,842 more (10.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$128,246
$142,088
Average (Mean) Salary
$128,185
$150,629
Total Employment
145,290
16,960
States with Higher Pay
9
28
Salary by State: Physician Assistants vs Physicists
Showing 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. Physician Assistants pays more in 9 states; Physicists pays more in 28.
| State | Physician Assistants | Physicists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $97,360 | $132,930 | $-35,570 | ||
| Arizona | $130,270 | $201,600 | $-71,330 | ||
| Arkansas | $99,220 | $128,640 | $-29,420 | ||
| California | $157,490 | $178,700 | $-21,210 | ||
| Colorado | $128,800 | $137,150 | $-8,350 | ||
| Connecticut | $140,880 | $165,370 | $-24,490 | ||
| District of Columbia | $124,350 | $138,420 | $-14,070 | ||
| Florida | $125,600 | $141,710 | $-16,110 | ||
| Georgia | $113,200 | $200,310 | $-87,110 | ||
| Idaho | $122,690 | $128,470 | $-5,780 | ||
| Illinois | $118,400 | $144,620 | $-26,220 | ||
| Indiana | $125,250 | $120,330 | +$4,920 | ||
| Iowa | $128,960 | $88,720 | +$40,240 | ||
| Kentucky | $103,490 | $126,160 | $-22,670 | ||
| Maine | $131,540 | $118,160 | +$13,380 | ||
| Maryland | $127,810 | $138,130 | $-10,320 | ||
| Massachusetts | $135,720 | $149,990 | $-14,270 | ||
| Michigan | $126,890 | $96,410 | +$30,480 | ||
| Minnesota | $131,290 | $110,110 | +$21,180 | ||
| Missouri | $134,670 | $176,520 | $-41,850 | ||
| Nevada | $158,720 | $112,460 | +$46,260 | ||
| New Hampshire | $132,980 | $99,090 | +$33,890 | ||
| New Jersey | $137,100 | $164,330 | $-27,230 | ||
| New Mexico | $131,930 | $171,670 | $-39,740 | ||
| New York | $137,490 | $178,140 | $-40,650 | ||
| North Carolina | $126,480 | $164,950 | $-38,470 | ||
| Ohio | $122,180 | $136,880 | $-14,700 | ||
| Oklahoma | $126,080 | $174,770 | $-48,690 | ||
| Oregon | $134,740 | $179,800 | $-45,060 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $119,170 | $165,600 | $-46,430 | ||
| Rhode Island | $126,920 | $144,020 | $-17,100 | ||
| South Carolina | $114,710 | $127,780 | $-13,070 | ||
| Tennessee | $111,540 | $121,760 | $-10,220 | ||
| Utah | $128,060 | $127,640 | +$420 | ||
| Virginia | $121,980 | $128,880 | $-6,900 | ||
| Washington | $156,930 | $106,300 | +$50,630 | ||
| Wisconsin | $128,580 | $156,190 | $-27,610 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Physician Assistants or Physicists?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Physician Assistants. The national median salary difference is $13,842 (10.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Physician Assistants earn more than a Physicists?
A Physician Assistants earns a higher median salary than a Physicists in 9 out of 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Physicists pays more in 28 states.
What is the median salary for a Physician Assistants vs Physicists?
The national median salary for a Physician Assistants is $128,246 per year, compared to $142,088 for a Physicists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Physician Assistants or Physicists?
There are more people employed as Physician Assistants. BLS reports approximately 145,290 Physician Assistants positions and 16,960 Physicists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Physician Assistants or Physicists?
Both Physician Assistants 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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