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Astronomer Salary in Los Angeles, CA

Astronomer salary data for Los Angeles, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Astronomer Salary in Los Angeles, CA — 2026

The median Astronomer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $190,900 per year ($15,908/month, $92/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 166, which is 66% above the national average.

Entry Level
$103K
$49/hr
Median
$191K
$92/hr
Senior
$279K
$134/hr
Top Earner
$349K
$168/hr

Astronomer Take-Home Pay in Los Angeles

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$190,900
Federal Tax-$35,063
State Tax (9.3%)-$17,754
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$13,686
Annual Take-Home$124,397
Monthly Take-Home$10,366

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$2,650/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio16.7%
Median Home Price$830,000
Cost of Living Index166
City Median Salary$75,200
Astronomer vs City Median+$115,700

Astronomer Requirements

Education
Doctorate
Experience
6-10 years
Job Growth
5.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

AstrophysicsData AnalysisPythonTelescope OperationResearch Methods

Los Angeles Job Market Overview

Los Angeles, California has a population of 3,898,747 and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. The top industries are Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.8%, and the average commute time is 31 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Astronomer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
The median Astronomer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $190,900 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. Entry-level Astronomers earn around $102,920, while senior-level professionals can earn $278,880 or more.
How much does a Astronomer take home in Los Angeles after taxes?
A Astronomer earning the median salary of $190,900 in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $124,397 per year ($10,366/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 34.8%.
Is Los Angeles a good city for Astronomers?
Los Angeles, CA has a cost of living index of 166 (above national average). Astronomers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.8% and top industries include Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Astronomer in Los Angeles?
Key skills for Astronomers include Astrophysics, Data Analysis, Python, Telescope Operation, Research Methods. Typical education requirement is Doctorate. Valuable certifications include Ph.D. in Astronomy.
How does Astronomer salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?
The national median Astronomer salary is $115,000. In Los Angeles, the adjusted salary is $190,900, which is 66.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Astronomer salary in Los Angeles, CA?

The median Astronomer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $190,900 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. Entry-level Astronomers earn around $102,920, while senior-level professionals can earn $278,880 or more.

How much does a Astronomer take home in Los Angeles after taxes?

A Astronomer earning the median salary of $190,900 in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $124,397 per year ($10,366/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 34.8%.

Is Los Angeles a good city for Astronomers?

Los Angeles, CA has a cost of living index of 166 (above national average). Astronomers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.8% and top industries include Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare.

What skills are needed for a Astronomer in Los Angeles?

Key skills for Astronomers include Astrophysics, Data Analysis, Python, Telescope Operation, Research Methods. Typical education requirement is Doctorate. Valuable certifications include Ph.D. in Astronomy.

How does Astronomer salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?

The national median Astronomer salary is $115,000. In Los Angeles, the adjusted salary is $190,900, which is 66.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.