Astronomers Salary in California
Astronomers in California earn a median annual wage of $123,540 —4.1% below the national median of $128,820. That ranks CA #4 of 5 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is only 0.44× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Highest-paying states for astronomers
All 5 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | 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 in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $136,990 | $103,410 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $102,840 | $90,150 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $106,510 | $82,220 |
| Chemists | $97,860 | $91,240 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $116,000 | $100,580 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $78,350 | $62,280 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do astronomers make in California?
The median annual wage for astronomers in California is $123,540, or $59.39 per hour. That is 4.1% below the national median of $128,820.
What is the entry-level astronomers salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $76,020 per year ($36.55/hour). The 25th percentile is $76,020.
How many people work as astronomers in California?
About 110 people work in this occupation in California, or 0.0 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for astronomers?
California ranks #4 of 5 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.44x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Which state pays astronomers the most?
Maryland has the highest median wage at $132,620 per year, followed by Arizona ($129,020) and Virginia ($128,930).