Astronomer Salary Overview
The Astronomer is a sought-after profession in the United States with a median annual salary of $128,160. Compensation typically ranges from $62,600 for entry-level positions to $212,400 for experienced professionals in high-demand markets.Salary Range: The typical Astronomer in the US earns between $62,600 and $212,400 per year, with a median of $128,160.
Astronomer Salary by Experience
Entry-level astronomers earn around $83,304, while those with 10+ years of experience can earn $173,016 or more.
| Level | Salary | Hourly | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $84,586 | $41/hr | $63,888 |
| Mid | $128,160 | $62/hr | $90,294 |
| Senior | $179,424 | $86/hr | $120,771 |
| Lead | $190,958 | $92/hr | $128,297 |
Astronomer Salary by State (After Tax)
Gross salary, federal tax, state tax, and estimated take-home pay for a Astronomer in each US state.
Pay for astronomers varies significantly by state, with coastal and high-cost-of-living areas generally offering higher salaries to offset expenses.
| State | Gross | Federal | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $128,160 | $20,005 | $6,243 | $9,804 | $92,107 | 28.1% |
| Alaska | $128,160 | $20,005 | $0 | $9,804 | $98,350 | 23.3% |
| Arizona | $128,160 | $20,005 | $2,839 | $9,804 | $95,511 | 25.5% |
| Arkansas | $128,160 | $20,005 | $5,413 | $9,804 | $92,937 | 27.5% |
| California | $128,160 | $20,005 | $8,057 | $9,804 | $90,294 | 29.5% |
| Colorado | $128,160 | $20,005 | $4,979 | $9,804 | $93,371 | 27.1% |
| Connecticut | $128,160 | $20,005 | $6,440 | $9,804 | $91,911 | 28.3% |
| Delaware | $128,160 | $20,005 | $7,228 | $9,804 | $91,123 | 28.9% |
| District of Columbia | $128,160 | $20,005 | $8,053 | $9,804 | $90,298 | 29.5% |
| Florida | $128,160 | $20,005 | $0 | $9,804 | $98,350 | 23.3% |
| Georgia | $128,160 | $20,005 | $6,377 | $9,804 | $91,973 | 28.2% |
| Hawaii | $128,160 | $20,005 | $9,645 | $9,804 | $88,705 | 30.8% |
| Idaho | $128,160 | $20,005 | $6,586 | $9,804 | $91,764 | 28.4% |
| Illinois | $128,160 | $20,005 | $6,207 | $9,804 | $92,144 | 28.1% |
| Indiana | $128,160 | $20,005 | $3,909 | $9,804 | $94,441 | 26.3% |
| Iowa | $128,160 | $20,005 | $4,870 | $9,804 | $93,480 | 27.1% |
| Kansas | $128,160 | $20,005 | $6,648 | $9,804 | $91,702 | 28.4% |
| Kentucky | $128,160 | $20,005 | $5,000 | $9,804 | $93,350 | 27.2% |
| Louisiana | $128,160 | $20,005 | $4,866 | $9,804 | $93,485 | 27.1% |
| Maine | $128,160 | $20,005 | $7,626 | $9,804 | $90,725 | 29.2% |
| Maryland | $128,160 | $20,005 | $5,980 | $9,804 | $92,371 | 27.9% |
| Massachusetts | $128,160 | $20,005 | $6,188 | $9,804 | $92,162 | 28.1% |
| Michigan | $128,160 | $20,005 | $5,209 | $9,804 | $93,142 | 27.3% |
| Minnesota | $128,160 | $20,005 | $7,364 | $9,804 | $90,986 | 29.0% |
| Mississippi | $128,160 | $20,005 | $5,445 | $9,804 | $92,905 | 27.5% |
| Missouri | $128,160 | $20,005 | $5,281 | $9,804 | $93,070 | 27.4% |
| Montana | $128,160 | $20,005 | $6,454 | $9,804 | $91,896 | 28.3% |
| Nebraska | $128,160 | $20,005 | $5,964 | $9,804 | $92,386 | 27.9% |
| Nevada | $128,160 | $20,005 | $0 | $9,804 | $98,350 | 23.3% |
| New Hampshire | $128,160 | $20,005 | $0 | $9,804 | $98,350 | 23.3% |
| New Jersey | $128,160 | $20,005 | $6,038 | $9,804 | $92,313 | 28.0% |
| New Mexico | $128,160 | $20,005 | $5,285 | $9,804 | $93,065 | 27.4% |
| New York | $128,160 | $20,005 | $6,974 | $9,804 | $91,377 | 28.7% |
| North Carolina | $128,160 | $20,005 | $5,193 | $9,804 | $93,157 | 27.3% |
| North Dakota | $128,160 | $20,005 | $2,214 | $9,804 | $96,136 | 25.0% |
| Ohio | $128,160 | $20,005 | $3,016 | $9,804 | $95,335 | 25.6% |
| Oklahoma | $128,160 | $20,005 | $5,597 | $9,804 | $92,753 | 27.6% |
| Oregon | $128,160 | $20,005 | $10,694 | $9,804 | $87,657 | 31.6% |
| Pennsylvania | $128,160 | $20,005 | $3,935 | $9,804 | $94,416 | 26.3% |
| Rhode Island | $128,160 | $20,005 | $4,852 | $9,804 | $93,498 | 27.0% |
| South Carolina | $128,160 | $20,005 | $6,575 | $9,804 | $91,776 | 28.4% |
| South Dakota | $128,160 | $20,005 | $0 | $9,804 | $98,350 | 23.3% |
| Tennessee | $128,160 | $20,005 | $0 | $9,804 | $98,350 | 23.3% |
| Texas | $128,160 | $20,005 | $0 | $9,804 | $98,350 | 23.3% |
| Utah | $128,160 | $20,005 | $5,959 | $9,804 | $92,391 | 27.9% |
| Vermont | $128,160 | $20,005 | $6,628 | $9,804 | $91,722 | 28.4% |
| Virginia | $128,160 | $20,005 | $6,853 | $9,804 | $91,497 | 28.6% |
| Washington | $128,160 | $20,005 | $0 | $9,804 | $98,350 | 23.3% |
| West Virginia | $128,160 | $20,005 | $5,673 | $9,804 | $92,677 | 27.7% |
| Wisconsin | $128,160 | $20,005 | $5,705 | $9,804 | $92,646 | 27.7% |
| Wyoming | $128,160 | $20,005 | $0 | $9,804 | $98,350 | 23.3% |
Top Cities for Astronomer Pay
The highest-paying metro areas for astronomers tend to be major metropolitan centers with strong industry demand and higher costs of living.
| City | Avg Salary |
|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $140,976 |
| Bethesda, MD | $140,976 |
| Pasadena, CA | $140,976 |
| Boston, MA | $140,976 |
| Honolulu, HI | $140,976 |
Calculate Astronomer Take-Home Pay
Adjust the state and filing status to see your estimated after-tax income.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
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Tax Breakdown
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Pay Frequency Breakdown
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How to Become a Astronomer
Becoming a astronomer typically requires relevant education, training, or certification in the field. Many employers also value practical experience, professional development, and industry-specific credentials.Astronomer Career Outlook
Employment of astronomers is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, driven by continued demand across industries. Professionals who stay current with evolving requirements and build specialized expertise will find the strongest job prospects.Astronomer Salary FAQ
The median annual salary for astronomers in the US is $128,160, with a typical range from $62,600 to $212,400 depending on experience and location.
The highest-paying states for astronomers include DC, MD, CA. These states typically have strong demand and higher costs of living.
Entry-level astronomers can expect to earn around $83,304 per year, with salary increasing as they gain experience and expertise.
Being a astronomer can be a rewarding career with solid compensation and growth potential. Job outlook is generally positive across most regions.
The median hourly rate for astronomers is approximately $61.62, though this varies based on experience, location, and employer.