National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $13,920 more (10.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$153,762
$139,842
Average (Mean) Salary
$164,071
$146,959
Total Employment
20,040
84,150
States with Higher Pay
27
15
Salary by State: Physicists vs Purchasing Managers
Showing 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. Physicists pays more in 27 states; Purchasing Managers pays more in 15.
| State | Physicists | Purchasing Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $139,330 | $130,710 | +$8,620 | ||
| Arizona | $130,500 | $138,940 | $-8,440 | ||
| Arkansas | $135,820 | $156,450 | $-20,630 | ||
| California | $207,490 | $159,830 | +$47,660 | ||
| Colorado | $104,580 | $171,250 | $-66,670 | ||
| Connecticut | $180,300 | $138,680 | +$41,620 | ||
| District of Columbia | $157,040 | $175,720 | $-18,680 | ||
| Florida | $225,390 | $133,410 | +$91,980 | ||
| Georgia | $144,870 | $155,360 | $-10,490 | ||
| Hawaii | $117,190 | $113,490 | +$3,700 | ||
| Idaho | $135,150 | $136,970 | $-1,820 | ||
| Illinois | $137,140 | $153,370 | $-16,230 | ||
| Indiana | $105,940 | $126,880 | $-20,940 | ||
| Iowa | $178,110 | $121,580 | +$56,530 | ||
| Kentucky | $180,910 | $124,350 | +$56,560 | ||
| Louisiana | $166,240 | $109,630 | +$56,610 | ||
| Maryland | $174,390 | $161,470 | +$12,920 | ||
| Massachusetts | $106,410 | $170,750 | $-64,340 | ||
| Michigan | $94,520 | $142,120 | $-47,600 | ||
| Minnesota | $171,220 | $144,810 | +$26,410 | ||
| Mississippi | $129,970 | $122,940 | +$7,030 | ||
| Missouri | $140,460 | $132,100 | +$8,360 | ||
| Montana | $103,800 | $123,480 | $-19,680 | ||
| Nevada | $154,030 | $120,270 | +$33,760 | ||
| New Hampshire | $214,030 | $162,900 | +$51,130 | ||
| New Jersey | $163,270 | $174,520 | $-11,250 | ||
| New Mexico | $165,340 | $134,790 | +$30,550 | ||
| New York | $181,970 | $166,300 | +$15,670 | ||
| North Carolina | $174,180 | $138,710 | +$35,470 | ||
| Ohio | $162,900 | $134,580 | +$28,320 | ||
| Oklahoma | $200,050 | $119,310 | +$80,740 | ||
| Oregon | $200,320 | $137,190 | +$63,130 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $210,990 | $141,790 | +$69,200 | ||
| Rhode Island | $155,150 | $134,560 | +$20,590 | ||
| South Carolina | $138,400 | $131,720 | +$6,680 | ||
| South Dakota | $83,050 | $128,670 | $-45,620 | ||
| Tennessee | $165,010 | $137,060 | +$27,950 | ||
| Texas | $184,040 | $134,670 | +$49,370 | ||
| Utah | $156,760 | $125,940 | +$30,820 | ||
| Virginia | $145,040 | $166,230 | $-21,190 | ||
| Washington | $134,790 | $162,730 | $-27,940 | ||
| Wisconsin | $173,120 | $124,990 | +$48,130 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Physicists vs Purchasing Managers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $13,920 (10.0%) based on 2025 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 27 out of 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Purchasing Managers pays more in 15 states.
What is the median salary for a Physicists vs Purchasing Managers?
The national median salary for a Physicists is $153,762 per year, compared to $139,842 for a Purchasing Managers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Physicists or Purchasing Managers?
There are more people employed as Purchasing Managers. BLS reports approximately 20,040 Physicists positions and 84,150 Purchasing Managers positions nationwide (2025).
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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