Astronomers

SOC Code: 19-2011
Also known as:
Astronomer, Astronomy Outreach Coordinator, Astrophysicist, Cosmologist, Extragalactic Astronomer
Median Annual Salary
$132,170
+2.2% growth (2024-2034)
100
Openings/Year
2K
Current Jobs

What Astronomers Do

Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

💰 Salary

$132,170
Median annual wage (2024)

📈 Job Growth

+2.2%
As fast as average

🎓 Education

Doctoral or professional degree
Typical entry-level requirement

🚀 Annual Openings

100
Projected average per year

Employment Projections (2024-2034)

Current Employment (2024)

1,800

Projected Employment (2034)

1,800

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Top Skills Required

Reading Comprehension
Science
Writing
Mathematics
Critical Thinking

Daily Tasks & Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.
  • Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.

Technology & Tools

Apache Hadoop C C++ IBM SPSS Statistics Linux Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word Oracle Java

📚 Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree
Most common requirement

🎯 Recommended Education

Doctoral Degree
O*NET recommended level

Degree Programs for Astronomers

These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a astronomers:

Astronomy

876 degrees awarded • 83 colleges offer this program
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Astrophysics

485 degrees awarded • 49 colleges offer this program
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Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other

129 degrees awarded • 12 colleges offer this program
View Colleges →

Planetary Astronomy and Science

90 degrees awarded • 12 colleges offer this program
View Colleges →

Physics and Astronomy

39 degrees awarded • 4 colleges offer this program
View Colleges →

Best Colleges for Becoming a Astronomers

Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become astronomers.

# College Location Related Degrees Repit Grade
1 University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 43 A+
2 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI 27 A+
3 University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA 60 A
4 Harvard University Cambridge, MA 45 A
5 The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX 43 A
6 Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY 39 A
7 University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA 39 A
8 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 35 A
9 Princeton University Princeton, NJ 34 A
10 University of Chicago Chicago, IL 34 A
11 Boston University Boston, MA 25 A
12 Cornell University Ithaca, NY 24 A
13 California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA 19 A
14 Yale University New Haven, CT 16 A
15 University of Georgia Athens, GA 13 A
16 Northwestern University Evanston, IL 11 A
17 Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 7 A
18 Williams College Williamstown, MA 5 A
19 Tufts University Medford, MA 5 A
20 Washington University in St Louis Saint Louis, MO 4 A

Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do astronomers make?
The median annual salary for astronomers is $132,170.
What education do astronomers need?
Most astronomers positions require a doctoral or professional degree. Common degree programs include Astronomy, Astrophysics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other.
Is becoming astronomers a good career choice?
Astronomers is projected to see +2.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034, which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 100 job openings expected annually, there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for astronomers?
Top colleges for aspiring astronomers include University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Berkeley, Harvard University, The University of Texas at Austin. These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to astronomers?
Astronomers may also be known as: Astronomer, Astronomy Outreach Coordinator, Astrophysicist, Cosmologist, Extragalactic Astronomer, Galactic Astronomer, High-Energy Astrophysicist, Institute Scientist, Optical Astronomer, Planetary Astronomer, Postdoc Scientist (Postdoctoral Scientist), Radio Astronomer, Research Astrophysicist, Solar Astronomer, Stellar Astronomer, Theoretical Astronomer. These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.