Astronomers
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Also called: Astronomer, Astronomy Outreach Coordinator, Astrophysicist, Cosmologist, Extragalactic Astronomer, Galactic Astronomer
Median pay
$128,820
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$78,010 – $195,190
People employed
2,120
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 5.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 6.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 7.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
Astronomers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (5 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What astronomers do
- 01Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
- 02Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
- 03Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
- 04Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
- 05Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
- 06Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.
Skills that matter most
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from astronomers
- Mathematicians92% · −2%
- Biochemists and Biophysicists87% · −1%
- Nanosystems Engineers82% · group pay
- Computer and Information Research Scientists80% · +9%
- Data Scientists78% · −7%
Change into astronomers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Mathematicians89% · $126,710
- Bioinformatics Scientists79% · $98,920
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary78% · $100,310
- Biochemists and Biophysicists77% · $127,410
- Computer and Information Research Scientists76% · $140,300
Majors that lead here
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Planetary Astronomy and Science
- Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other
- Physics and Astronomy
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.