Astronomers
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 110 | $115,680 | $55.62 | |
| California | $175,820 | $84.53 | ||
| Colorado | $139,400 | $67.02 | ||
| Hawaii | 110 | $158,480 | $76.19 | |
| Maryland | 440 | $129,900 | $62.45 | |
| New Mexico | 50 | $78,680 | $37.83 | |
| Texas | $101,960 | $49.02 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A general program that focuses on the planetary, galactic, and stellar phenomena occurring in outer space. Includes instruction in celestial mechanics, cosmology, stellar physics, galactic evolution, quasars, stellar distribution and motion, interstellar medium, atomic and molecular constituents of astronomical phenomena, planetary science, solar system evolution, and specific methodologies such as optical astronomy, radioastronomy, and theoretical astronomy.
A program that focuses on the theoretical and observational study of the structure, properties, and behavior of stars, star systems and clusters, stellar life cycles, and related phenomena. Includes instruction in cosmology, plasma kinetics, stellar physics, convolution and non-equilibrium radiation transfer theory, non-Euclidean geometries, mathematical modeling, galactic structure theory, and relativistic astronomy.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of planets, small objects, and related gravitational systems. Includes instruction in the structure and composition of planetary surfaces and interiors, planetary atmospheres, satellites, orbital mechanics, asteroids and comets, solar system evolution and dynamics, planetary evolution, gravitational physics, and radiation physics.
Any instructional program in astronomy and astrophysics not listed above.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the theories that explain the fundamental structure of our world and the universe and which draws from physics and astronomy. Includes instruction in astronomy, calculus, cosmology, differential equations, electricity, magnetism, data analysis, physics, quantum mechanics, space science, spectroscopy, and thermal physics.
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$139,410 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Doctoral or professional degreeTypical education requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as astronomers.
- Less than high school 0%
- High school graduate 0%
- College dropout 0%
- Associate’s degree 0%
- Bachelor’s degree 20%
- Master’s degree 20%
- Doctorate degree 61%
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