National Salary Overview
VS
Psychiatrists earns $37,024 more (26.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$142,088
$179,113
Average (Mean) Salary
$150,629
$199,794
Total Employment
16,960
10,640
States with Higher Pay
3
13
Salary by State: Physicists vs Psychiatrists
Showing 16 states where both occupations have BLS data. Physicists pays more in 3 states; Psychiatrists pays more in 13.
| State | Physicists | Psychiatrists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $132,930 | $180,420 | $-47,490 | ||
| Arkansas | $128,640 | $120,530 | +$8,110 | ||
| District of Columbia | $138,420 | $101,310 | +$37,110 | ||
| Illinois | $144,620 | $171,370 | $-26,750 | ||
| Iowa | $88,720 | $204,420 | $-115,700 | ||
| Kentucky | $126,160 | $220,870 | $-94,710 | ||
| Massachusetts | $149,990 | $128,810 | +$21,180 | ||
| Mississippi | $116,670 | $200,100 | $-83,430 | ||
| Nevada | $112,460 | $198,370 | $-85,910 | ||
| New Hampshire | $99,090 | $228,610 | $-129,520 | ||
| New York | $178,140 | $230,870 | $-52,730 | ||
| North Carolina | $164,950 | $216,000 | $-51,050 | ||
| Ohio | $136,880 | $221,460 | $-84,580 | ||
| Oklahoma | $174,770 | $234,580 | $-59,810 | ||
| South Carolina | $127,780 | $140,130 | $-12,350 | ||
| Tennessee | $121,760 | $210,100 | $-88,340 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Physicists or Psychiatrists?
On average across all states, a Psychiatrists earns more than a Physicists. The national median salary difference is $37,024 (26.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Physicists earn more than a Psychiatrists?
A Physicists earns a higher median salary than a Psychiatrists in 3 out of 16 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Psychiatrists pays more in 13 states.
What is the median salary for a Physicists vs Psychiatrists?
The national median salary for a Physicists is $142,088 per year, compared to $179,113 for a Psychiatrists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Physicists or Psychiatrists?
There are more people employed as Physicists. BLS reports approximately 16,960 Physicists positions and 10,640 Psychiatrists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Physicists or Psychiatrists?
Both Physicists and Psychiatrists 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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