How much does an astronomer make?
Median yearly pay in the United States: half earn more and half earn less. That is $61.93 an hour or $10,740 a month.
- Hourly
- $61.93
- Average (mean)
- $132,900
- Jobs
- 2,120
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $78,010 | $37.50 | |
| 25th | $99,920 | $48.04 | |
| Median | $128,800 | $61.93 | |
| 75th | $166,000 | $79.81 | |
| 90th | $195,200 | $93.84 |
By state
Median yearly pay.
| Maryland | $132,600 |
| Arizona | $129,000 |
| Virginia | $128,900 |
| California | $123,500 |
| Hawaii | $102,000 |
Highest paying cities
Metro areas, median yearly pay.
| Washington, DC | $156,800 |
In other countries
Astronomer belongs to the international group "Physicists and astronomers".
Compare pay in 140 countriesSimilar jobs
- Physicist$172,300
- Atmospheric and Space Scientist$99,070
- Chemist$91,240
- Materials Scientist$117,800
- Environmental Scientist and Specialist$82,220
- Geoscientist$101,900
- Hydrologist$96,600
- Physical Scientist$122,600
Frequently asked questions
How much does an astronomer make an hour?
The median hourly pay is $61.93 ($128,800 a year).
How much does an astronomer make a month?
About $10,740 a month before tax, based on a median of $128,800 a year.
How much does an astronomer make starting out?
The lowest-paid 10% make $78,010 or less a year ($37.50 an hour); the top 10% make $195,200 or more.
Which state pays astronomers the most?
Maryland, with a median of $132,600 a year, followed by Arizona ($129,000) and Virginia ($128,900).
Which city pays astronomers the most?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, with a median of $156,800 a year.
How many astronomers are there in the United States?
About 2,120 people work as astronomers.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.