Life, Physical & Social Science
Astronomers
Also called: Astronomer, Astronomy Outreach Coordinator, Astrophysicist, Research Astrophysicist
US median pay
$128,820
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+7.8%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
100
2,400 employed
Typical entry education
Doctoral or professional degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.5/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
- Coordination3.1/5
- Systems Evaluation3.0/5
- Systems Analysis3.0/5
- Persuasion3.0/5
- Management of Personnel Resources3.0/5
Knowledge
- Physics5.0/5
- Mathematics4.9/5
- Computers and Electronics4.2/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Education and Training3.4/5
- Engineering and Technology3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Doctoral or professional degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Doctoral degree65%
- Post-doctoral training26%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.