The average salary for a astronomer in the United States is $128,940, but the range typically falls between $85,600 and $172,210. This corresponds to an average hourly wage of $61.99, with a range between $41.16 and $82.8.
There are approximately 2,080 people employed as a astronomer in the United States. With Maryland, California, Arizona employing the highest number of astronomers.The state with the best pay for a astronomer is Massachusetts, with an average annual salary of $158,030, while Washington has the lowest average annual salary of $96,260.
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $56,500 | $27.17 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,600 | $41.16 |
| Median | $127,930 | $61.5 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,210 | $82.8 |
| 90th Percentile | $183,500 | $88.22 |
The salary of a astronomer can vary depending on the state. Below is a map of the United States showing the average annual salary for a astronomer in each state. The darker the color, the higher the salary. The best states for astronomers are Massachusetts, Maryland, California, Virginia, Texas while the worst states are Washington, New Mexico, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas.
| State | Low-end | Average | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $77,650 | $120,310 | $167,630 |
| California | $83,580 | $145,560 | $201,370 |
| Hawaii | $78,270 | $103,970 | $137,120 |
| Maryland | $76,810 | $148,400 | $200,760 |
| Massachusetts | $74,030 | $158,030 | $201,490 |
| New Mexico | $76,630 | $94,900 | $140,610 |
| Texas | $45,420 | $116,640 | $183,500 |
| Virginia | $78,600 | $126,240 | $163,220 |
| Washington | $68,870 | $96,260 | $159,940 |
Even between cities, the salary of a astronomer can vary. For example, the areas with the highest average salary for astronomers is Boston-Cambridge-Nashua area, MA with an average salary of $157,570.
Areas with highest average salaries for astronomers
The number of astronomers in the United States has been increasing over the years. Since 2020, the number of astronomers has increased by 170. On average, the number of astronomers has been increasing by 2.2% each year. The salary of astronomers has been increasing. Since 2020, the salary of astronomers has increased by $2,690. On average, the salary of astronomers has been increasing by 0.5% each year.
Astronomers are part of the life, physical, and social science occupations group. Below is a comparison of the average annual salary for astronomers compared to other jobs in the same occupation group. View all life, physical, and social science occupations jobs here.
$120,310 per year
$66,670 per year
$154,380 per year
$132,650 per year
$104,000 per year
$86,710 per year
