Astronomers Salary in California
Astronomers in California earn a median of $123,540 a year, −4% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $123,540
- vs. U.S. median
- −4% ($128,820)
- Rank among states
- 4 of 5
- Jobs in the state
- 110
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $76,020; the top 10% earn over $195,190. Nationally the range is $78,010 to $195,190.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists$124,920 median in California
- Physicists$207,490 median in California
- Mathematicians$126,710 median in California
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$106,500 median in California
- Industrial Ecologists$106,510 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Bioinformatics Scientists$113,530 median in California (broader BLS group)
Astronomers pay in California
How much do astronomers make in California?
The median is $123,540 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $76,020 and the top 10% earn over $195,190. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for astronomers?
On pay alone it ranks 4 of 5 (−4% vs. the national median of $128,820). Living costs are not included.