Astronomer earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$78.95 per hour

$164,210 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$78.94 per hour

$164,200 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$60.61 per hour

$126,060 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$45.74 per hour

$95,140 per year

10th percentile

Starting level astronomer earnings begin at:

$40.52 per hour

$84,280 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Astronomer salary by state

State Name Average Salary
Arizona $91,620
New Mexico $73,130
Maryland $127,030
District of Columbia $126,060
Massachusetts $123,110
California $117,700
Hawaii $107,950
Colorado $107,580
Texas $103,370

How do astronomer salaries compare to similar careers?

Astronomers earn about the same as related careers in District of Columbia. On average, they make less than atmospheric scientists but more than industrial ecologists.

Career Median Salary
Atmospheric scientist salary $138K
Mathematician salary $126K
Nanotechnology engineer salary $141K
Natural sciences manager salary $134K
Astronomer salary $126K
Chemist salary $125K
Geospatial information scientist salary $119K
Environmental consultant salary $118K
Industrial ecologist salary $118K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)