Astronomer Salary

What is the Pay by Experience Level for Astronomers?

Entry Level

▼17%

▼8%

▲2%

▼6%

▲39%

What Do Astronomers Do?

Astronomy is the science of examining the cosmos and using applied physics and mathematical formulas to attempt to explain, classify, discuss, and offer explanations about the universe. Astronomers use a variety of high-tech, sensitive instruments to measure the location and movements of objects in the sky. They typically create purely scientific observations about their findings, which other branches of science put to applied use.

Most astronomers will find work in academic or research …Read more

Astronomer Tasks

Analyze celestial data and present results in a variety of formats.
Create visualizations and interfaces to enable usage of data.
Calibrate, maintain, focus, and use equipment and associated software.
Compile, update, maintain, and add metadata to data sets.

Job Satisfaction for Astronomer

3.8 out of 5

(6)

Highly Satisfied

0Reviews

We currently don't have any reviews for this job and need at least 5 ratings before we can calculate a satisfaction score. Are you an Astronomer? Take our survey to help us meet this goal.

Gender Breakdown

Male

84.6%

Female

15.4%

This data is based on 13 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.

Common Health Benefits

Medical

78%

Dental

61%

Vision

61%

None

22%

The average salary for an Astronomer is $86,901.

10%

$46k

MEDIAN

$87k

90%

$146k

Salary

$46k - $146k

Bonus

$202 - $25k

Profit Sharing

$46 - $98k

Total Pay

$45k - $149k

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What Do Astronomers Do?

Most astronomers will find work in academic or research …Read more

Astronomer Tasks

Analyze celestial data and present results in a variety of formats.
Create visualizations and interfaces to enable usage of data.
Calibrate, maintain, focus, and use equipment and associated software.
Compile, update, maintain, and add metadata to data sets.

Job Satisfaction for Astronomer

3.8 out of 5

(6)

Highly Satisfied

0Reviews

We currently don't have any reviews for this job. Are you an Astronomer? Take our survey to help us meet this goal.

Popular Employer Salaries for Astronomer

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

$88k

Astronomer Job Listings

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Job Title / Company

Location

What Are Popular Skills for Astronomers?

Research Analysis

$71,932

24 responses

Data Analysis

$95,500

18 responses

Knowledge Discovery

$94,815

16 responses

Software Development

$90,633

7 responses

Skills in Data Analysis, Knowledge Discovery and Software Development are correlated to pay that is above average. Skills that pay less than market rate include Research Analysis.

What is the Pay by Experience Level for Astronomers?

An entry-level Astronomer with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $71,750 based on 11 salaries. An early career Astronomer with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $80,000 based on 32 salaries. A mid-career Astronomer with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $88,708 based on 19 salaries. An experienced Astronomer with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $81,347 based on 20 salaries. In their late career (20 years and higher), employees earn an average total compensation of $120,992.

Pay Difference by Location

Learn more about cost of living by city.

Baltimore, Maryland

▲55%

Washington, District of Columbia

▲27%

▲21%

▲15%

▲9%

▲6%

▼19%

Employees with Astronomer in their job title in Baltimore, Maryland earn an average of 55.3% more than the national average. These job titles also find higher than average salaries in Washington, District of Columbia (26.5% more) and Flagstaff, Arizona (20.8% more). The lowest salaries can be found in Tucson, Arizona (19.4% less).