National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $13,268 more (10.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$142,088
$128,820
Average (Mean) Salary
$150,629
$136,460
Total Employment
16,960
77,350
States with Higher Pay
25
13
Salary by State: Physicists vs Purchasing Managers
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Physicists pays more in 25 states; Purchasing Managers pays more in 13.
| State | Physicists | Purchasing Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $132,930 | $124,130 | +$8,800 | ||
| Arizona | $201,600 | $134,800 | +$66,800 | ||
| Arkansas | $128,640 | $108,850 | +$19,790 | ||
| California | $178,700 | $153,510 | +$25,190 | ||
| Colorado | $137,150 | $153,980 | $-16,830 | ||
| Connecticut | $165,370 | $129,760 | +$35,610 | ||
| District of Columbia | $138,420 | $163,240 | $-24,820 | ||
| Florida | $141,710 | $131,740 | +$9,970 | ||
| Georgia | $200,310 | $131,670 | +$68,640 | ||
| Idaho | $128,470 | $104,890 | +$23,580 | ||
| Illinois | $144,620 | $136,930 | +$7,690 | ||
| Indiana | $120,330 | $113,330 | +$7,000 | ||
| Iowa | $88,720 | $114,340 | $-25,620 | ||
| Kentucky | $126,160 | $109,990 | +$16,170 | ||
| Maine | $118,160 | $128,010 | $-9,850 | ||
| Maryland | $138,130 | $145,600 | $-7,470 | ||
| Massachusetts | $149,990 | $154,760 | $-4,770 | ||
| Michigan | $96,410 | $134,970 | $-38,560 | ||
| Minnesota | $110,110 | $139,790 | $-29,680 | ||
| Mississippi | $116,670 | $101,240 | +$15,430 | ||
| Missouri | $176,520 | $135,720 | +$40,800 | ||
| Nevada | $112,460 | $104,380 | +$8,080 | ||
| New Hampshire | $99,090 | $140,290 | $-41,200 | ||
| New Jersey | $164,330 | $168,210 | $-3,880 | ||
| New Mexico | $171,670 | $131,600 | +$40,070 | ||
| New York | $178,140 | $165,930 | +$12,210 | ||
| North Carolina | $164,950 | $129,140 | +$35,810 | ||
| Ohio | $136,880 | $128,500 | +$8,380 | ||
| Oklahoma | $174,770 | $106,730 | +$68,040 | ||
| Oregon | $179,800 | $126,330 | +$53,470 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $165,600 | $134,010 | +$31,590 | ||
| Rhode Island | $144,020 | $139,100 | +$4,920 | ||
| South Carolina | $127,780 | $113,110 | +$14,670 | ||
| Tennessee | $121,760 | $122,270 | $-510 | ||
| Utah | $127,640 | $119,370 | +$8,270 | ||
| Virginia | $128,880 | $153,600 | $-24,720 | ||
| Washington | $106,300 | $154,190 | $-47,890 | ||
| Wisconsin | $156,190 | $121,880 | +$34,310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Physicists or Purchasing Managers?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Purchasing Managers. The national median salary difference is $13,268 (10.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Physicists earn more than a Purchasing Managers?
A Physicists earns a higher median salary than a Purchasing Managers in 25 out of 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Purchasing Managers pays more in 13 states.
What is the median salary for a Physicists vs Purchasing Managers?
The national median salary for a Physicists is $142,088 per year, compared to $128,820 for a Purchasing Managers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Physicists or Purchasing Managers?
There are more people employed as Purchasing Managers. BLS reports approximately 16,960 Physicists positions and 77,350 Purchasing Managers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Physicists or Purchasing Managers?
Both Physicists and Purchasing Managers 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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