National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $9,820 more (7.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$142,088
$132,268
Average (Mean) Salary
$150,629
$149,870
Total Employment
16,960
572,710
States with Higher Pay
24
14
Salary by State: Physicists vs Sales Managers
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Physicists pays more in 24 states; Sales Managers pays more in 14.
| State | Physicists | Sales Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $132,930 | $117,750 | +$15,180 | ||
| Arizona | $201,600 | $122,880 | +$78,720 | ||
| Arkansas | $128,640 | $121,820 | +$6,820 | ||
| California | $178,700 | $131,740 | +$46,960 | ||
| Colorado | $137,150 | $176,700 | $-39,550 | ||
| Connecticut | $165,370 | $135,920 | +$29,450 | ||
| District of Columbia | $138,420 | $138,680 | $-260 | ||
| Florida | $141,710 | $128,810 | +$12,900 | ||
| Georgia | $200,310 | $141,720 | +$58,590 | ||
| Idaho | $128,470 | $109,530 | +$18,940 | ||
| Illinois | $144,620 | $135,680 | +$8,940 | ||
| Indiana | $120,330 | $117,500 | +$2,830 | ||
| Iowa | $88,720 | $129,080 | $-40,360 | ||
| Kentucky | $126,160 | $109,300 | +$16,860 | ||
| Maine | $118,160 | $100,400 | +$17,760 | ||
| Maryland | $138,130 | $125,600 | +$12,530 | ||
| Massachusetts | $149,990 | $156,360 | $-6,370 | ||
| Michigan | $96,410 | $141,620 | $-45,210 | ||
| Minnesota | $110,110 | $134,290 | $-24,180 | ||
| Mississippi | $116,670 | $107,750 | +$8,920 | ||
| Missouri | $176,520 | $111,400 | +$65,120 | ||
| Nevada | $112,460 | $103,000 | +$9,460 | ||
| New Hampshire | $99,090 | $145,000 | $-45,910 | ||
| New Jersey | $164,330 | $170,690 | $-6,360 | ||
| New Mexico | $171,670 | $105,010 | +$66,660 | ||
| New York | $178,140 | $214,010 | $-35,870 | ||
| North Carolina | $164,950 | $125,270 | +$39,680 | ||
| Ohio | $136,880 | $134,440 | +$2,440 | ||
| Oklahoma | $174,770 | $122,000 | +$52,770 | ||
| Oregon | $179,800 | $125,890 | +$53,910 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $165,600 | $130,600 | +$35,000 | ||
| Rhode Island | $144,020 | $158,600 | $-14,580 | ||
| South Carolina | $127,780 | $122,820 | +$4,960 | ||
| Tennessee | $121,760 | $132,830 | $-11,070 | ||
| Utah | $127,640 | $130,220 | $-2,580 | ||
| Virginia | $128,880 | $158,000 | $-29,120 | ||
| Washington | $106,300 | $169,680 | $-63,380 | ||
| Wisconsin | $156,190 | $134,120 | +$22,070 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Physicists or Sales Managers?
On average across all states, a Physicists earns more than a Sales Managers. The national median salary difference is $9,820 (7.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Physicists earn more than a Sales Managers?
A Physicists earns a higher median salary than a Sales Managers in 24 out of 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Sales Managers pays more in 14 states.
What is the median salary for a Physicists vs Sales Managers?
The national median salary for a Physicists is $142,088 per year, compared to $132,268 for a Sales Managers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Physicists or Sales Managers?
There are more people employed as Sales Managers. BLS reports approximately 16,960 Physicists positions and 572,710 Sales Managers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Physicists or Sales Managers?
Both Physicists and Sales 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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