Astronomers Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for astronomers in the United States was $128,820 ($61.94 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $78,010 | $37.50 |
| 25th | $99,920 | $48.04 |
| Median | $128,820 | $61.94 |
| 75th | $166,000 | $79.81 |
| 90th | $195,190 | $93.84 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 19-2011
- Total U.S. employment: 2,120
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
A closer look
The median wage in this area is 0.0% below the national median — a difference of about $0 per year for a typical worker.
The mean wage of $132,920 sits 3.2% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
Astronomers Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $129,020 | $62.03 | +0.2% | 100 |
| California | $123,540 | $59.39 | -4.1% | 110 |
| Hawaii | $102,000 | $49.04 | -20.8% | 100 |
| Maryland | $132,620 | $63.76 | +2.9% | 980 |
| Virginia | $128,930 | $61.99 | +0.1% | 0 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Managers, All Other — $141,900/yr
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education — $64,370/yr
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers — $79,860/yr
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers — $48,570/yr
- Medical and Health Services Managers — $123,860/yr
- Packers and Packagers, Hand — $36,280/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for astronomers?
The median annual wage for astronomers is $128,820 ($61.94 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays astronomers the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many astronomers are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 2,120 astronomers employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do astronomers make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $61.94. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.