Astronomer earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$96.25 per hour

$200,200 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$91.87 per hour

$191,080 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$87.47 per hour

$181,950 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$49.02 per hour

$101,960 per year

10th percentile

Starting level astronomer earnings begin at:

$33.91 per hour

$70,520 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 90% more than similar careers in Hawaii.

Career Median Salary
Atmospheric scientist salary $105K
Chemist salary $79K
Climate change analyst salary $67K
Statistician salary $63K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)