SOC 19-2011 · Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Astronomers wages by metro
National median annual wage
$128,820
- 10th percentile
- $78,010
- 25th percentile
- $99,920
- Median
- $128,820
- 75th percentile
- $166,000
- 90th percentile
- $195,190
- Mean
- $132,920
Annual wage from the May 2025 OEWS estimates.
National employment in May 2025: 2,120.
That median is 152.7% higher than the all-occupations national median of $50,980.
The metro and state figures below are the same May 2025 release. A blank wage means BLS did not publish it. See when a wage is not published.
Highest published medians
| Occupation | Employment | 10th | Median | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 520 | $105,870 | $156,750 | $195,190 |
Where employment is largest
| Occupation | Employment | 10th | Median | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 520 | $105,870 | $156,750 | $195,190 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 180 | Not available | Not available | Not available |
States and territories
| Occupation | Employment | 10th | Median | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 980 | $83,200 | $132,620 | $214,450 |
| Arizona | 100 | $75,600 | $129,020 | $177,020 |
| Virginia | Not available | $94,710 | $128,930 | $175,560 |
| California | 110 | $76,020 | $123,540 | $195,190 |
| Hawaii | 100 | $71,590 | $102,000 | $139,720 |
Other life, physical, and social science occupations
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Chemists
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
- Biological Technicians
- School Psychologists
Questions this page answers
What is the national median wage for Astronomers?
In the May 2025 OEWS estimates, the national median annual wage for Astronomers is $128,820. Employment is 2,120.
How does Astronomers pay compare with all occupations?
The national median for Astronomers is 152.7% higher than the all-occupations median of $50,980.
Which metro has the highest published median for Astronomers?
Among metros with a published annual median in the May 2025 tables, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is highest on this page's list at $156,750.