Astronomer earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$51.75 per hour

$107,640 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$37.85 per hour

$78,730 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$36.24 per hour

$75,380 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$29.76 per hour

$61,910 per year

10th percentile

Starting level astronomer earnings begin at:

$28.75 per hour

$59,800 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 about the same as related careers in New Mexico. On average, they make less than atmospheric scientists but more than statisticians.

Career Median Salary
Atmospheric scientist salary $80K
Climate change analyst salary $68K
Astronomer salary $75K
Cartographer salary $77K
Statistician salary $61K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)