Astronomer Salary 2025: $128,820 Median Pay, Job Outlook & How to Become One
Astronomers earned a median salary of $128,820 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% made over $195,190, while the bottom 10% earned $78,010 or less. Mean annual wages hit $132,920, or about $62 per hour. This is a small field—only 2,120 astronomers work in the U.S.—but it offers strong pay for those who persist through years of advanced study. Below we break down the numbers by state, the typical path to the profession, and what job growth looks like through 2034.
How much Astronomers earn
The national median salary for astronomers is $128,820. Half of all astronomers earn between the 25th percentile ($82,130) and 75th percentile ($173,470). The lowest-paid 10% make under $78,010; the highest-paid 10% bring in more than $195,190.
Average hourly pay works out to $62.37. Most astronomers work full-time, often with irregular hours for night observations, though base salaries are not typically affected by shift differentials.
Employers range from universities and research institutions to federal government agencies like NASA. The federal government tends to pay above the median. Meanwhile, junior positions at smaller colleges may start near the bottom of the range.
Pay by state
The highest-paying state for astronomers is Maryland, with an average annual wage of $132,620. Arizona follows at $129,020, then Virginia at $128,930—almost exactly the national median. California pays $123,540, and Hawaii rounds out the top five at $102,000.
It's worth noting that Virginia and California appear in both the high-paying and lower-paying lists depending on the metric (mean vs. median). But overall, astronomer salaries cluster in states with major research universities and space agencies. Hawaii, despite its observatories, pays below the national average, likely due to a high concentration of early-career researchers at sites like Mauna Kea.
- Highest-paying: Maryland $132,620
- Arizona: $129,020
- Virginia: $128,930
- California: $123,540
- Hawaii: $102,000
How to become Astronomer
Becoming an astronomer requires a PhD in astronomy or physics—typically a 5- to 7-year commitment after a bachelor's degree. Master's degrees are rare as terminal degrees for this occupation; nearly all professional astronomers hold doctorates.
Undergraduate preparation should include physics, mathematics, and computer science. Many aspiring astronomers do summer research internships or REU programs to strengthen graduate applications. After a PhD, most complete one or two postdoctoral fellowships (2–6 years) before landing a permanent job.
Certification is not required, but membership in the American Astronomical Society can provide networking and professional development. Security clearances may be needed for government roles, but that comes after hiring.
- Earn a bachelor's in physics, astronomy, or a related field.
- Complete a PhD in astronomy or physics (5–7 years).
- Take on 1–2 postdoctoral research positions (2–3 years each).
- Apply for tenure-track faculty, research staff, or government scientist positions.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of astronomers will grow 2.2% from 2024 to 2034—about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 100 new openings each year, including replacements for retirees.
Competition is stiff because the number of PhD graduates exceeds the number of permanent jobs. Federal government funding for space research heavily influences job availability. Institutions like NASA and national observatories are key employers.
Frequently asked questions
Is $128,820 a typical starting salary for astronomers?
No. The $128,820 figure is the median for all astronomers, including those with decades of experience. Starting salaries for assistant professors or postdocs are often lower—around $60,000 to $80,000 for postdocs, and $70,000 to $90,000 for first faculty jobs.
Do astronomers really work at night?
Some do, especially those who conduct observations at ground-based telescopes. But many astronomers work primarily with theoretical models or data analysis and keep regular office hours. Observers might have irregular schedules when at a telescope, but it's not a constant requirement.
How do I become an astronomer without a PhD?
It's essentially impossible for the title 'astronomer.' Some support roles—like telescope operator, data analyst, or science educator—require only a bachelor's or master's, but those are not classified as astronomers by the BLS.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Astronomers data.