Physicists vs Psychologists, All Other: Salary Comparison

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

National Salary Overview

Physicists

Median Salary
$142,088
Average (Mean)
$150,629
Employed Nationwide
16,960
VS

Psychologists, All Other

Median Salary
$111,140
Average (Mean)
$106,424
Employed Nationwide
14,030
Physicists earns $30,948 more (27.8%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $142,088 $111,140
Average (Mean) Salary $150,629 $106,424
Total Employment 16,960 14,030
States with Higher Pay 33 4

Salary by State: Physicists vs Psychologists, All Other

Showing 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. Physicists pays more in 33 states; Psychologists, All Other pays more in 4.

State Physicists Psychologists, All Other Difference
Alabama $132,930
$125,550
+$7,380
Arizona $201,600
$118,350
+$83,250
Arkansas $128,640
$95,260
+$33,380
California $178,700
$143,350
+$35,350
Colorado $137,150
$112,740
+$24,410
Connecticut $165,370
$126,610
+$38,760
District of Columbia $138,420
$105,520
+$32,900
Florida $141,710
$118,190
+$23,520
Georgia $200,310
$121,330
+$78,980
Idaho $128,470
$105,710
+$22,760
Illinois $144,620
$80,530
+$64,090
Iowa $88,720
$114,900
$-26,180
Kentucky $126,160
$118,190
+$7,970
Maine $118,160
$85,520
+$32,640
Maryland $138,130
$115,170
+$22,960
Massachusetts $149,990
$130,150
+$19,840
Michigan $96,410
$62,090
+$34,320
Minnesota $110,110
$79,500
+$30,610
Mississippi $116,670
$85,680
+$30,990
Missouri $176,520
$124,180
+$52,340
Nevada $112,460
$133,720
$-21,260
New Hampshire $99,090
$121,870
$-22,780
New Jersey $164,330
$128,810
+$35,520
New Mexico $171,670
$121,740
+$49,930
New York $178,140
$118,810
+$59,330
North Carolina $164,950
$123,120
+$41,830
Ohio $136,880
$118,410
+$18,470
Oklahoma $174,770
$71,900
+$102,870
Oregon $179,800
$124,720
+$55,080
Pennsylvania $165,600
$104,240
+$61,360
Rhode Island $144,020
$108,850
+$35,170
South Carolina $127,780
$125,800
+$1,980
Tennessee $121,760
$117,870
+$3,890
Utah $127,640
$97,760
+$29,880
Virginia $128,880
$115,320
+$13,560
Washington $106,300
$113,190
$-6,890
Wisconsin $156,190
$114,340
+$41,850

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Physicists or Psychologists, All Other?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Psychologists, All Other. The national median salary difference is $30,948 (27.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Physicists earn more than a Psychologists, All Other?
A Physicists earns a higher median salary than a Psychologists, All Other in 33 out of 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Psychologists, All Other pays more in 4 states.
What is the median salary for a Physicists vs Psychologists, All Other?
The national median salary for a Physicists is $142,088 per year, compared to $111,140 for a Psychologists, All Other, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Physicists or Psychologists, All Other?
There are more people employed as Physicists. BLS reports approximately 16,960 Physicists positions and 14,030 Psychologists, All Other positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Physicists or Psychologists, All Other?
Both Physicists and Psychologists, All Other 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.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.