Astronomers and Physicists Salaries by State
Mean and median pay, wage percentiles, employment, and top-paying metro areas for astronomers and physicistss across the U.S. Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 (data.bls.gov OEWS tool /OESServices/combo/table, all-occupation crawl by area).
National mean salary $167,590 ≈ $81/hr
National median salary $166,880
Total employment 22,540 nationwide
State-level and metro breakdowns aren’t published for this aggregate occupation group. National figures are shown above; browse a specific occupation for full state detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do astronomers and physicists make in the U.S.?
The median astronomers and physicists salary in the United States is $166,880 per year (mean $167,590), and about 80% earn between $82,110 and $266,310.
How much do astronomers and physicists make per hour?
Roughly $81 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $167,590 and 2,080 work hours per year.