Average Salary for Astronomers
SOC 19-2011 · Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · 2024 data
The median annual wage for Astronomers in the United States is $132,170 ($63.54/hr), based on 2024 BLS OEWS data. Wages range from $70,730 at the 10th percentile to $191,880 at the 90th percentile nationally. An estimated 1,560 people work in this occupation across the country. The national median wage has grown 15.3% since 2019.
Median Annual
$132,170
Mean Annual
$134,430
10th Pct
$70,730
75th Pct
$177,690
Employment
1,560
Salary Distribution
$71k
10th
$95k
25th
$132k
Median
$178k
75th
$192k
90th
Highest Paying Metro Areas
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $189,430 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $157,980 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $83,460 |
Salary by State
| State | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $189,430 |
| Maryland | $157,980 |
| California | $142,060 |
| Arizona | $125,480 |
| Washington | $103,980 |
| Hawaii | $103,000 |
National Wage Trend
View data table
| Year | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $132,170 |
| 2023 | $127,930 |
| 2022 | $128,330 |
| 2021 | $128,160 |
| 2020 | $119,730 |
| 2019 | $114,590 |