Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Trend (2011–2024)
Historical salary and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Median Salary in 2024
$117,960
↑ 24.2% since 2011
Median Salary Over Time
Physical Scientists, All Other — Median Annual Salary
Employment Over Time
Physical Scientists, All Other — Total Employment
Key Insights
📈Salaries grew 24.2% since 2011 ($94,990 → $117,960)
🏆Peak year: 2024 at $117,960
🦠COVID impact: Salary dropped 2.5% from 2019 to 2020 during the pandemic downturn.
💰After inflation (~3%/yr), real growth is approximately -15%
Year-by-Year Salary Data
| Year | Median Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $117,960 | +5.1% |
| 2023 | $112,280 | +4.0% |
| 2022 | $107,970 | +3.7% |
| 2021 | $104,100 | -2.9% |
| 2020 | $107,210 | -2.5% |
| 2019 | $109,910 | +2.5% |
| 2018 | $107,230 | +3.1% |
| 2017 | $103,990 | +8.2% |
| 2016 | $96,070 | -1.1% |
| 2015 | $97,130 | +3.3% |
| 2014 | $94,030 | +0.9% |
| 2013 | $93,230 | +1.7% |
| 2012 | $91,640 | -3.5% |
| 2011 | $94,990 | — |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2011–2024. All figures are annual median wages in nominal dollars.