Astronomers

Occupation

$132,170

National Median Salary

$63.54

Median Hourly Wage

1,560

Total Employment

Salary Distribution

$70,730

$94,990

$132,170

$177,690

$191,880

10th percentile → 25th → Median → 75th → 90th percentile

Salary Trend (2014-2024)

+25.4%

10 Year Change

$105,410

2014 Median

$132,170

2024 Median

Best Paying Industries Industry Wage Growth Best Paying States Fastest Growing States Where This Career Pays Above Average

Top Paying Industries for Astronomers

Industry	Annual Median	Employment
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)	$174,370	490
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation)	$171,910	500
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services	$128,450	660
Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences	$128,450	660
Scientific Research and Development Services	$128,450	660

View all 7 industries →

Top Paying States for Astronomers

State	Annual Median	Employment
Massachusetts	$189,430	70
Maryland	$157,980	570
California	$142,060	170
Arizona	$125,480	90
Washington	$103,980	40

View all states →

Related Occupations

Physicists Astronomers and Physicists Political Scientists Physical Scientists, All Other Miscellaneous Physical Scientists

Explore Astronomers by State

Massachusetts Maryland California Arizona Washington Hawaii

Explore Astronomers by Industry

See how this career performs in specific industries

Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences Scientific Research and Development Services Educational Services Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools