Astronomer Salary in 2026
Study celestial objects and phenomena using observational and theoretical methods.
Median Salary
$115,000
$9,583/mo
Entry Level
$62,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$168,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Astronomer Overview
Study celestial objects and phenomena using observational and theoretical methods.
Education
Doctorate
Experience
6-10 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
2K
5-Year Growth
+8%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$55.29/hr
Monthly Pay
$9,583
Astronomer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Astronomer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Astronomer Salary
$132,000
$11,000/month · $5,077/biweekly · $63.46/hr
Astronomer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Astronomer field.
Entry-level Astronomers earn around $62,000, while the top 10% earn $189,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Astronomers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $136,000 | +$21,000 |
| Hawaii | $132,000 | +$17,000 |
| Massachusetts | $129,000 | +$14,000 |
| Maryland | $124,000 | +$9,000 |
| Arizona | $112,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Astronomers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $129,000 | +$14,000 |
| Baltimore | $120,000 | +$5,000 |
| Pasadena | $115,000 | $0 |
| Tucson | $115,000 | $0 |
| Cambridge | $115,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Astronomer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Astronomer from entry level to expert.
$62,000
0-2 years
$115,000
3-7 years
$168,000
8-14 years
$210,000
15+ years
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Astronomer Salary FAQ
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