Astronomer Salary in 2026
Study celestial objects and phenomena using observational and theoretical methods.
Median Salary
$128,820
$10,735/mo
Entry Level
$69,500
starting pay
Senior Level
$188,200
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Astronomers (SOC 19-2011) at a national median of $128,820 per year (mean $132,920), or $61.94 per hour, with 2,120 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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
$61.94/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,735
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
$148,000
$12,333/month · $5,692/biweekly · $71.15/hr
Astronomer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Astronomer field.
Entry-level Astronomers earn around $69,500, while the top 10% earn $211,700 or more.
Top Paying States for Astronomers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $152,000 | +$23,180 |
| Hawaii | $148,000 | +$19,180 |
| Massachusetts | $144,000 | +$15,180 |
| Maryland | $139,000 | +$10,180 |
| Arizona | $125,000 | $-3,820 |
Top Paying Cities for Astronomers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $144,000 | +$15,180 |
| Baltimore | $134,000 | +$5,180 |
| Pasadena | $129,000 | +$180 |
| Tucson | $129,000 | +$180 |
| Cambridge | $129,000 | +$180 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Astronomer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Astronomer from entry level to expert.
$69,500
0-2 years
$129,000
3-7 years
$188,200
8-14 years
$235,200
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Astronomer Salary FAQ
How much does a Astronomer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Astronomer in the United States is $128,820 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Astronomers (SOC 19-2011); the mean is $132,920. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $69,500, senior professionals around $188,200, and top earners at $235,200 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Astronomer?
A Astronomer typically requires a Doctorate with 6-10 years of experience. Key skills include Astrophysics, Data Analysis, Python. Relevant certifications such as Ph.D. in Astronomy can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Astronomers?
The job market for Astronomers is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 2K Astronomer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 8%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Astronomers the most?
The highest-paying states for Astronomers include California, Arizona, Hawaii. In California, the median salary is approximately $152,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Astronomer salary?
To increase your Astronomer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Astrophysics and Data Analysis. Pursue certifications such as Ph.D. in Astronomy. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Pasadena. With 6-10 years of experience, you can progress from $69,500 to $188,200 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Astronomer Salary
How we calculate Astronomer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Astronomers (SOC 19-2011), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $128,820, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Astronomers; BLS mean $132,920; BLS hourly median $61.94.
- Entry-level ($69,500) and senior-level ($188,200) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 2,120 Astronomers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 8% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Doctorate, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $128,820; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Astronomer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Astronomer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Astronomer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Astrophysics, Data Analysis, Python), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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