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.
- 1. Massachusetts ($167,590)
- 2. Hawaii ($158,480)
- 3. California ($145,370)
- 4. Maryland ($141,880)
- 5. District of Columbia ($123,580)
- 6. Colorado ($121,290)
- 7. Arizona ($115,680)
- 8. Texas ($105,080)
- 9. Ohio ($91,180)
- 10. New Mexico ($86,490)
- Conclusion
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)
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.
| Type | Annual 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)
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.
| Type | Annual 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)
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.
| Type | Annual 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)
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.
| Type | Annual 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)
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.
| Type | Annual 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)
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.
| Type | Annual 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)
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.
| Type | Annual 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)
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.
| Type | Annual 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)
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.
| Type | Annual 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)
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.
| Type | Annual 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.
