How to Become an Astronomer
Study stars, planets and the universe through observation, theory and computation. It typically requires a doctoral degree, with a median salary of $128,820 per year and slower than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$128,820/yr
Middle half
$99,920 to $166,000
Job growth
Slower than average
Openings / yr
100
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Programming
- Research
Related careers
- Physicist$172,250 median
- Natural Sciences Manager$167,220 median
- Biochemist$127,410 median
- Biostatistician$105,650 median
- Statistician$105,650 median
- Biomedical Scientist / Researcher$103,410 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Astronomer make?
The median pay for an Astronomer is $128,820 a year, and the middle half of workers earn between $99,920 and $166,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). That covers everyone in the job, not only people starting out, so newer workers sit toward the lower end.
What degree do you need to become an Astronomer?
The usual entry point is a doctoral degree. Common majors are Astronomy and Astrophysics and Physics.
Is Astronomer a growing field?
Projected job growth for this role from 2024 to 2034 is slower than average (BLS projections via O*NET), with roughly 100 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Astronomer use most?
Common skills for this role are Physics, Mathematics, Programming, and Research.
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Take the major quizWhere these pay figures come from
Career pay is the annual wage of everyone working in that occupation, not only recent graduates, so it includes people who have done the job for decades. The middle half is the 25th to the 75th percentile. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median and percentile annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034).
All figures are national. What you earn depends on where you work, who you work for, and how far you take the degree.
Job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median and percentile annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034).