Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Astronomers
SOC: 19-2011 O*NET: 19-2011.00
Median Salary
$132,170
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.2%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
What does a Astronomers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$70,730
10th percentile
Early Career
$94,990
25th percentile
Median
$132,170
50th percentile
Experienced
$177,690
75th percentile
Top Earners
$191,880
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$70,730
25th
$94,990
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$132,170
Mean: $134,430
75th
$177,690
90th
$191,880
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $121,150 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $94,990 and $177,690
- •Salary spread is 62.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 1,560 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:1,800
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services42.3%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services42.3%
Scientific Research and Development Services42.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.2%
Annual Openings:100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)1,800
Current
2034 (Projected)1,800
+2.2%
0
Employment Change
+2.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Astronomers professionals work across the United States
Showing 6 of 6 locations
Maryland
570 jobs$157,98020.54x
California
170 jobs$142,0600.94x
Hawaii
140 jobs$103,00021.95x
Arizona
90 jobs$125,4802.87x
Massachusetts
70 jobs$189,4301.79x
Washington
40 jobs$103,9801.06x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Science
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Mathematics
80%
#5
Writing
74%
#6
Active Learning
66%
#7
Active Listening
60%
#8
Speaking
54%
#9
Learning Strategies
46%
#10
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Science
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Mathematics
intermediate4.0
80%
Writing
intermediate3.7
74%
Active Learning
intermediate3.3
66%
Active Listening
intermediate3.0
60%
Speaking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Science
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Learning Strategies
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Biochemists and Biophysicists82%
5 shared skills
Molecular and Cellular Biologists82%
5 shared skills
Statisticians82%
5 shared skills
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Surveyors82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Speaking
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Science
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Mathematics
- ★Science
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Writing
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Astronomers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechApache Hadoop
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechC++
🔥 Hot TechOracle Java
🔥 Hot TechPython
🔥 Hot TechR
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechLinux
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Apache Hadoop
Structured query language SQL
C++
Oracle Java
Python
R
Microsoft Office software
Linux
Microsoft PowerPoint
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
17
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (9)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Planning & Development (4)Communication & Coordination (1)Training & Development (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation97% perform98%
3
Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Raise funds for scientific research.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination82% perform88%
8
Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Teach astronomy or astrophysics.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Training & Development76% perform84%
10
Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •41% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Astronomers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Astronomers professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Astronomers
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.91
Persistence
CriticalPersistence
Importance Level4.61
Achievement/Effort
CriticalAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.57
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.43
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.26
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.26
Complete Work Styles Profile
Analytical Thinking
4.9
Persistence
4.6
Achievement/Effort
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.4
Initiative
4.3
Integrity
4.3
Independence
4.2
Innovation
4.1
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
Cooperation
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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