Science
Astronomer
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Median pay
$128,820
Growth to 2035
+8%
faster than average
Openings a year
100
Time to qualify*
5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Astronomer
$128,82010% earn under $78,010 · middle half $99,920–$166,000 · top 10% over $195,190
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Doctoral or professional degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Astronomer
Dealing with the public
Rarely
Constantly
Unpleasant or angry people
Rarely
Constantly
Time pressure
Rarely
Constantly
Cost of a mistake
Minor
Severe
Freedom to make decisions
Little
A lot
Repeating the same tasks
Rarely
Constantly
Time sitting
Rarely
Constantly
Time standing
Rarely
Constantly
Outdoors in all weather
Rarely
Constantly
Astronomer: 59% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
- Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
- Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
- Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.
- Teach astronomy or astrophysics.
- Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
Also called: Astronomer · Astronomy Outreach Coordinator · Astrophysicist · Research Astrophysicist
Outlook and AI
Astronomers held 2,400 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 2,600 by 2035 (+8%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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