National Salary Overview
VS
Physicists earns $14,397 more (10.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$153,762
$139,365
Average (Mean) Salary
$164,071
$154,352
Total Employment
20,040
623,030
States with Higher Pay
28
14
Salary by State: Physicists vs Sales Managers
Showing 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. Physicists pays more in 28 states; Sales Managers pays more in 14.
| State | Physicists | Sales Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $139,330 | $124,040 | +$15,290 | ||
| Arizona | $130,500 | $145,690 | $-15,190 | ||
| Arkansas | $135,820 | $108,330 | +$27,490 | ||
| California | $207,490 | $134,910 | +$72,580 | ||
| Colorado | $104,580 | $180,850 | $-76,270 | ||
| Connecticut | $180,300 | $162,110 | +$18,190 | ||
| District of Columbia | $157,040 | $141,800 | +$15,240 | ||
| Florida | $225,390 | $131,900 | +$93,490 | ||
| Georgia | $144,870 | $159,890 | $-15,020 | ||
| Hawaii | $117,190 | $116,340 | +$850 | ||
| Idaho | $135,150 | $135,350 | $-200 | ||
| Illinois | $137,140 | $155,280 | $-18,140 | ||
| Indiana | $105,940 | $131,470 | $-25,530 | ||
| Iowa | $178,110 | $134,010 | +$44,100 | ||
| Kentucky | $180,910 | $128,650 | +$52,260 | ||
| Louisiana | $166,240 | $110,700 | +$55,540 | ||
| Maryland | $174,390 | $137,150 | +$37,240 | ||
| Massachusetts | $106,410 | $191,200 | $-84,790 | ||
| Michigan | $94,520 | $136,870 | $-42,350 | ||
| Minnesota | $171,220 | $151,670 | +$19,550 | ||
| Mississippi | $129,970 | $108,750 | +$21,220 | ||
| Missouri | $140,460 | $115,370 | +$25,090 | ||
| Montana | $103,800 | $117,390 | $-13,590 | ||
| Nevada | $154,030 | $109,790 | +$44,240 | ||
| New Hampshire | $214,030 | $141,900 | +$72,130 | ||
| New Jersey | $163,270 | $173,020 | $-9,750 | ||
| New Mexico | $165,340 | $114,080 | +$51,260 | ||
| New York | $181,970 | $217,640 | $-35,670 | ||
| North Carolina | $174,180 | $150,470 | +$23,710 | ||
| Ohio | $162,900 | $135,510 | +$27,390 | ||
| Oklahoma | $200,050 | $128,920 | +$71,130 | ||
| Oregon | $200,320 | $155,810 | +$44,510 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $210,990 | $130,610 | +$80,380 | ||
| Rhode Island | $155,150 | $154,970 | +$180 | ||
| South Carolina | $138,400 | $131,080 | +$7,320 | ||
| South Dakota | $83,050 | $136,360 | $-53,310 | ||
| Tennessee | $165,010 | $128,040 | +$36,970 | ||
| Texas | $184,040 | $136,020 | +$48,020 | ||
| Utah | $156,760 | $136,520 | +$20,240 | ||
| Virginia | $145,040 | $191,130 | $-46,090 | ||
| Washington | $134,790 | $174,000 | $-39,210 | ||
| Wisconsin | $173,120 | $134,870 | +$38,250 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Physicists vs Sales Managers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $14,397 (10.3%) based on 2025 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 28 out of 42 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 $153,762 per year, compared to $139,365 for a Sales Managers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Physicists or Sales Managers?
There are more people employed as Sales Managers. BLS reports approximately 20,040 Physicists positions and 623,030 Sales Managers positions nationwide (2025).
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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