How much does a astronomer make?
The median astronomer in the United States earns $132,170 per year, about $63.54 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all astronomers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 19-2011.
Astronomer salary range
Pay for astronomers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $70,730 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $191,880. The average (mean) wage of $134,430 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $70,730 | $34.00 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $94,990 | $45.67 | |
| Median (50th) | $132,170 | $63.54 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $177,690 | $85.43 | |
| 90th percentile | $191,880 | $92.25 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for astronomers (SOC 19-2011), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Astronomer salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Astronomers earn the most in Massachusetts at $189,430 a year, and the least in Hawaii at $103,000. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $189,430 | 70 |
| Maryland | $157,980 | 570 |
| California | $142,060 | 170 |
| Arizona | $125,480 | 90 |
| Washington | $103,980 | 40 |
| Hawaii | $103,000 | 140 |
State median wages for astronomers (SOC 19-2011), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for astronomers
The BLS projects employment of astronomers to grow 7.8% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 2,400 jobs in 2025 moving toward 2,600 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 100 openings a year for astronomers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become an astronomer
The typical entry-level education for astronomers is a doctoral or professional degree, according to the BLS.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much an astronomer earns
Degree level, employer type, and field of research drive the numbers. Roles in private industry and government labs often pay above academic and entry-level positions.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Massachusetts, $189,430) and the lowest (Hawaii, $103,000) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 1,560 people work as astronomers in the United States. At $132,170 a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Astronomer salary FAQ
How much does an astronomer make an hour?
The median hourly wage for an astronomer is $63.54. The middle half of astronomers earn between $45.67 and $85.43 per hour.
What is the highest astronomer salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of astronomers earn more than $191,880 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does an astronomer make a year?
The median annual salary for an astronomer is $132,170. The average (mean) wage of $134,430 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being an astronomer a well paid job?
At $132,170 a year, an astronomer earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 1,560 people work as astronomers in the United States.
Which state pays astronomers the most?
Massachusetts has the highest median salary for astronomers at $189,430 a year. Maryland ($157,980) and California ($142,060) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being an astronomer a good career?
Employment of astronomers is projected to grow 7.8% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 100 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become an astronomer?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for astronomers as a doctoral or professional degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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