Physical Scientists, All Other Salary & Career Guide (2025): $122,570 Median
The median salary for Physical Scientists, All Other is $122,570 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average hourly wage works out to about $59. This group covers scientists who don't fit neatly into the standard categories like physicist or chemist — think planetary geologists, hydrologists, or materials scientists not elsewhere classified. The pay is strong, but the job market is tiny and barely growing.
How much Physical Scientists, All Other earn
The BLS reports that half of Physical Scientists, All Other earn between the 10th percentile figure of $67,000 and the 90th percentile of $195,190. The mean annual wage is $129,230.
Most workers are full-time salaried employees. Entry-level jobs typically start around $67,000, while experienced scientists in high-paying sectors can approach $200,000.
- Median annual salary: $122,570
- Mean annual salary: $129,230
- Mean hourly wage: $62.13 (based on $129,230 / 2,080 hours)
- 10th percentile: $67,000
- 90th percentile: $195,190
Pay by state
Location matters a lot for these scientists. The District of Columbia pays the most, with an average of $156,730. Minnesota ($147,890), North Dakota ($147,650), Maryland ($141,290), and South Carolina ($141,130) also report averages above $140,000.
At the lower end, Indiana ($68,670), Wyoming ($69,240), and Iowa ($80,810) pay well below the national median. These differences partly reflect the mix of employers — federal agencies and research labs cluster in D.C. and Maryland, while lower-paying states have fewer high-tech employers.
- Highest-paying: District of Columbia ($156,730), Minnesota ($147,890), North Dakota ($147,650), Maryland ($141,290), South Carolina ($141,130)
- Lowest-paying: Iowa ($80,810), Wyoming ($69,240), Indiana ($68,670)
How to become Physical Scientists, All Other
This is not an entry-level occupation. Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a physical science like physics, chemistry, geology, or astronomy. Many employers prefer a master's or PhD, especially for research roles.
Licensing or certification is not typically required, though some specialized subfields (e.g., hydrology or certain federal positions) may demand professional credentials. Relevant work experience — internships or lab assistant jobs during college — is a common stepping stone.
The typical path: earn a bachelor's in a physical science, gain experience through a research assistant job or graduate studies, then move into a specialist role. Networking through professional societies like the American Geophysical Union helps.
- Education: Bachelor's degree minimum; master's or PhD strongly preferred for research and management roles.
- Experience: Internships, lab assistant positions, or research projects during school.
- Certifications: Not standard, but optional in fields like hydrology (e.g., professional hydrologist certification).
- Skills: Data analysis, laboratory techniques, scientific software (e.g., MATLAB, Python), report writing.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for Physical Scientists, All Other to grow by only 0.6% from 2024 to 2034. That's slower than the average for all occupations. In absolute terms, that's about 2,000 openings per year, most coming from the need to replace workers who retire or leave the field.
The total employment pool is small — just 22,300 jobs nationwide. Competition will be strong, especially for research positions funded by federal grants. However, workers with advanced degrees and experience in emerging areas like climate science or materials science may have better odds.
- Projected growth (2024–2034): 0.6% (slower than average)
- Annual openings: about 2,000
- Total employment (2024): 22,300
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Physical Scientists, All Other' include?
This BLS category includes physical scientists who don't fit into standard groups like physicists, chemists, or geoscientists. Examples are planetary scientists, hydrologists, materials scientists, and atmospheric scientists not elsewhere classified.
What is the starting salary for a Physical Scientists, All Other?
The 10th percentile is about $67,000 per year, which is typical for entry-level positions with a bachelor's degree. Those with a master's or PhD can expect to start closer to $80,000–$100,000 depending on the employer.
Is Physical Scientists, All Other a good career?
It can be, if you value high pay and specialized scientific work. The median salary of $122,570 is well above the national average. But job growth is nearly flat, and the number of positions is limited, so job hunting can be competitive. Advanced degrees improve your chances.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Physical Scientists, All Other data.