Published on

Best States for Astronomers: Highest-paid Astronomers by State

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    Carter A
    Twitter

Astronomers are scientists who study the universe, its origins, and its mysteries. They observe stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial objects to unlock the secrets of space and time, and often work on the forefront of technology to develop new instruments and methods for observation and analysis. Through their research, astronomers contribute to our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics and the history of the universe.

This article will explore the best states for astronomers, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • The highest-paid astronomers are in Massachusetts, where they earn an average of $167,590 per year.
  • The lowest-paid astronomers are in Virginia, where they earn an average of $-1 per year.
  • The U.S. average salary for astronomers is $114,238 per year.

1. Massachusetts ($167,590)

Massachusetts Astronomers in Massachusetts earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for astronomers in Massachusetts is $167,590, which is +47% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$167,590
10th Percentile$114,310
25th Percentile$157,090
75th Percentile$189,340
90th Percentile$197,450

2. Hawaii ($158,480)

Hawaii Astronomers in Hawaii earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for astronomers in Hawaii is $158,480, which is +39% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$158,480
10th Percentile$70,520
25th Percentile$101,960
75th Percentile$191,080
90th Percentile$200,200

3. California ($145,370)

California Astronomers in California earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for astronomers in California is $145,370, which is +27% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$145,370
10th Percentile$81,830
25th Percentile$110,620
75th Percentile$171,250
90th Percentile$208,450

4. Maryland ($141,880)

Maryland Astronomers in Maryland earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for astronomers in Maryland is $141,880, which is +24% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$141,880
10th Percentile$73,100
25th Percentile$109,040
75th Percentile$168,010
90th Percentile$177,110

5. District of Columbia ($123,580)

District of Columbia Astronomers in District of Columbia earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for astronomers in District of Columbia is $123,580, which is +8% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$123,580
10th Percentile$86,980
25th Percentile$95,140
75th Percentile$152,780
90th Percentile$164,210

6. Colorado ($121,290)

Colorado Astronomers in Colorado earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for astronomers in Colorado is $121,290, which is +6% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$121,290
10th Percentile$33,280
25th Percentile$63,730
75th Percentile$163,760
90th Percentile$216,700

7. Arizona ($115,680)

Arizona Astronomers in Arizona earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for astronomers in Arizona is $115,680, which is +1% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$115,680
10th Percentile$75,380
25th Percentile$95,310
75th Percentile$149,410
90th Percentile$163,310

8. Texas ($105,080)

Texas Astronomers in Texas earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for astronomers in Texas is $105,080, which is --8% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$105,080
10th Percentile$41,600
25th Percentile$69,960
75th Percentile$137,130
90th Percentile$171,370

9. Ohio ($91,180)

Ohio Astronomers in Ohio earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for astronomers in Ohio is $91,180, which is --20% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$91,180
10th Percentile$51,390
25th Percentile$62,740
75th Percentile$115,490
90th Percentile$143,060

10. New Mexico ($86,490)

New Mexico Astronomers in New Mexico earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for astronomers in New Mexico is $86,490, which is --24% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$86,490
10th Percentile$63,300
25th Percentile$63,300
75th Percentile$94,120
90th Percentile$118,710

Conclusion

The highest-paid astronomers are in Massachusetts, where they earn an average of $167,590 per year. The lowest-paid astronomers are in Virginia, where they earn an average of $-1 per year. The U.S. average salary for astronomers is $114,238 per year and there are 1,818 jobs in the field.