Astronomer earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$82.93 per hour

$172,490 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$81.96 per hour

$170,480 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$64.79 per hour

$134,760 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$49.85 per hour

$103,690 per year

10th percentile

Starting level astronomer earnings begin at:

$36.44 per hour

$75,780 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 16% more than similar careers in Maryland.

Career Median Salary
Chemist salary $121K
Statistician salary $113K
Materials scientist salary $104K
Atmospheric scientist salary $102K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)