Astronomers Salary in the United States
The median annual wage for astronomers is $128,820, or $61.94 per hour. About 2,120 people work in this occupation nationwide. Wages vary substantially by state — from $132,620 in Maryland to $102,000 in Hawaii.
Wage distribution nationwide
Earnings spread across all U.S. workers in this occupation.
Salary by state
All 5 states with published data, ranked by median annual wage.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $132,620 | $63.76 | 980 | 26.06 |
| 2 | Arizona | $129,020 | $62.03 | 100 | 2.33 |
| 3 | Virginia | $128,930 | $61.99 | — | — |
| 4 | California | $123,540 | $59.39 | 110 | 0.44 |
| 5 | Hawaii | $102,000 | $49.04 | 100 | 11.67 |
Related occupations
Same job family, ranked by national employment.
Frequently asked questions
How much do astronomers make?
The median annual wage for astronomers in the United States is $128,820, or $61.94 per hour. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) earn $78,010, and the top 10% earn $195,190.
How many astronomers are employed in the U.S.?
About 2,120 people work as astronomers nationwide.
Which state pays astronomers the most?
Maryland pays the most at a median of $132,620, followed by Arizona ($129,020) and Virginia ($128,930).
Which state pays astronomers the least?
Hawaii has the lowest median at $102,000.
Where are astronomers jobs most concentrated?
The location quotient measures employment concentration relative to the national average. The highest is Maryland at 26.06×.