SOC 19-2011 · May 2025 · United States
Astronomers
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
$128,820 /year
The median wage for Astronomers across the United States is $128,820 per year, measured over 2,120 jobs. The highest state median is in Maryland, at $132,620.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Astronomers
Pay for this occupation varies by 30.0% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Maryland pays $132,620 and Hawaii pays $102,000.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $132,620 | 980 | |
| 2 | Arizona | $129,020 | 100 | |
| 3 | Virginia | $128,930 | — | |
| 4 | California | $123,540 | 110 | |
| 5 | Hawaii | $102,000 | 100 |
States with the most Astronomers jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | 980 | $132,620 | |
| 2 | California | 110 | $123,540 | |
| 3 | Arizona | 100 | $129,020 | |
| 4 | Hawaii | 100 | $102,000 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $156,750 | 520 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.