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:

$64.51 per hour

$134,180 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$50.53 per hour

$105,110 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level astronomer earnings begin at:

$31.05 per hour

$64,580 per year

10th percentile

Starting level astronomer earnings begin at:

$19.13 per hour

$39,800 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 18% more than similar careers in Texas.

Career Median Salary
Statistician salary $81K
Atmospheric scientist salary $79K
Chemist salary $77K
Climate change analyst salary $77K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)