Astronomer earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$78.51 per hour

$163,310 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$71.83 per hour

$149,410 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$49.93 per hour

$103,850 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$45.82 per hour

$95,310 per year

10th percentile

Starting level astronomer earnings begin at:

$36.24 per hour

$75,380 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Astronomer salary by state

State Name Average Salary
New Mexico $75,380
Hawaii $181,950
California $150,530
Maryland $134,760
Colorado $128,160
District of Columbia $126,060
Massachusetts $123,110
Texas $105,110
Arizona $103,850

How do astronomer salaries compare to similar careers?

Astronomers earn 31% more than similar careers in Arizona.

Career Median Salary
Statistician salary $99K
Atmospheric scientist salary $94K
Chemist salary $78K
Materials scientist salary $75K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)