Astronomer earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$82.12 per hour

$170,820 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$80.06 per hour

$166,520 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$59.19 per hour

$123,110 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$42.83 per hour

$89,080 per year

10th percentile

Starting level astronomer earnings begin at:

$31.76 per hour

$66,070 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 37% more than similar careers in Massachusetts.

Career Median Salary
Materials scientist salary $106K
Chemist salary $82K
Statistician salary $78K
Climate change analyst salary $74K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)