Astronomers
SOC code 19-2011 · O*NET-SOC 19-2011.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering
Astronomers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$128,820
a year
Hourly
$61.94
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$132,920
$63.91 per hour
Middle 50%
$99,920 – $166,000
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$78,010 – $195,190
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
2,120
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $78,010
- $37.50/hr
- 25th percentile
- $99,920
- $48.04/hr
- Median percentile
- $128,820
- $61.94/hr
- 75th percentile
- $166,000
- $79.81/hr
- 90th percentile
- $195,190
- $93.84/hr
What does an astronomer do?
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
- Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
- Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
- Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.
- Teach astronomy or astrophysics.
- Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
How to become an astronomer
Most people in this role hold doctoral degree — 65% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Doctoral Degree65%
- Post-Doctoral Training26%
- Master's Degree9%
Common questions
How much does an astronomer earn?
The national median is $128,820 a year. The full range runs from $78,010 at the 10th percentile to $195,190 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an astronomer without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.3/5
- Science4.3/5
- Writing4.1/5
- Mathematics4.1/5
- Critical Thinking4.1/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Active Learning4.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Physics5.0/5
- Mathematics4.9/5
- Computers and Electronics4.2/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Education and Training3.4/5
- Engineering and Technology3.2/5
- Chemistry3.0/5
Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making.