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
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 11% more than similar careers in District of Columbia. On average, they make more than occupational health specialists.

Career Median Salary
Astronomer salary $126K
Chemist salary $125K
Climate change analyst salary $118K
Statistician salary $107K
Occupational health specialist salary $89K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)