Astronomer Salary in 2026
How Much Do Astronomers Make?
Astronomers earn a median annual salary of $132,170 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $70,730 at the 10th percentile to $191,880 at the 90th percentile — a range of $121,150. The highest-paying state is Massachusetts at $189,430.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $70,730 |
| 25th percentile | $94,990 |
| Median (50th) | $132,170 |
| 75th percentile | $177,690 |
| 90th percentile | $191,880 |
Astronomer Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusettstop | $189,430 |
| Maryland | $157,980 |
| California | $142,060 |
| Arizona | $125,480 |
| Washington | $103,980 |
| Hawaii | $103,000 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Astronomers
Astronomer Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$70,730 – $94,990 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$132,170 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$177,690 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $191,880+ |
How to Earn More as an Astronomer
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Astronomers in Maryland earn $157,980 — $25,810 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($177,690) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Astronomer Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Astronomerthis career | $132,170 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $140,910 |
| Mathematician | $121,680 |
| Statistician | $103,300 |
| Nanosystems Engineer | $117,750 |
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SOC: 19-2011.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.