How much does a physical scientist make?
a year · about $59 an hour
A typical physical scientist in the United States makes $122,570 a year, about $59 an hour, about 2.4× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
This broad group covers many specialties, so days differ. A remote-sensing scientist might analyze satellite, aircraft, or ground data with mapping software, then collect field data to check the results.
Did you know? Some remote-sensing scientists in this group use data to spot dust clouds or model surface water to help address environmental problems.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $67,000 and $195,190How do you become one?
In the U.S., a bachelor's degree is the usual starting point. Since this is a broad group, the subject you study and any further schooling depend on the specialty.
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience, useful skills, advanced degrees, and credentials can affect pay. Pay also differs by employer or industry and location, where local demand and living costs vary.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($156,730), lowest in Indiana ($68,670).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $67,000 | $122,570 | $195,190 | about 22,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $156,730 | about 790 |
| Minnesota | $147,890 | about 540 |
| Maryland | $141,290 | about 2,000 |
| Georgia | $137,680 | about 1,000 |
| Colorado | $134,440 | about 710 |
Official definition: All physical scientists not listed separately.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-2099.00
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-2099.01
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/19-2099.01
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes192099.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY