Physical Scientists, All Other Salary in U.S.
The median pay for a physical scientists, all other in U.S. is $117,960/year ($56.71/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $62K at the entry level to $192K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $118K get you in U.S.?
About physical scientists, all others
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level physical scientists, all others (10th percentile) start around $62K. Mid-career wages sit at $118K.Top earners bring in $192K or more - a $130K spread from bottom to top.
Physical Scientists, All Other pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $167K | +42% | 600 |
| District of Columbia | $158K | +34% | 860 |
| Massachusetts | $144K | +22% | 520 |
| Maryland | $143K | +21% | 1,900 |
| North Dakota | $138K | +17% | N/A |
| Washington | $135K | +15% | 510 |
| South Carolina | $134K | +14% | 100 |
| Georgia | $132K | +12% | 1,040 |
| Alabama | $132K | +12% | 150 |
| California | $128K | +9% | 2,220 |
| Virginia | $128K | +9% | 1,560 |
| New Mexico | $127K | +8% | 240 |
| Florida | $123K | +4% | 390 |
| Arizona | $120K | +2% | 170 |
| Kansas | $115K | -3% | 130 |
Track physical scientists, all other salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
Related careers in Science
Frequently asked questions
How much do physical scientists, all others make in U.S.?
The median is $117,960 a year - that works out to about $56.71 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $61,990, and experienced physical scientists, all others can clear $191,880. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $118K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,614/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 18.5% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a physical scientists, all other salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median physical scientists, all other salary is worth about $117,960 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do physical scientists, all others get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.