What Is an Astronomer's Salary?
Very few people ever pursue becoming an astronomer to become wealthy despite the fact it pays very well. It is for the love of studying space and the stars that drives them to the profession. This is especially true since nearly all astronomers conduct scientific research in addition to observing and gathering data on celestial bodies, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Average Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of an astronomer in May 2009 was $102,740 per year or $49.40 per hour. The 50th percentile salary, or median, was listed as $104,720 per year or $50.35 per hour.
Salary Range
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The middle 50 percent of American astronomers made between $65,710 and $138,640 per year in 2009. The lowest reported salary by the Bureau of Labor Statistics was the 10th percentile at $45,610 per year or $21.93 per hour. The highest reported salary, the 90th percentile, was much bigger at $153,210 per year or $73.66 per hour.
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Variation by Industry
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are only three industries that employ astronomers in the United States. Educational institutions, classified as colleges, universities and professional schools, paid astronomers a mean salary of $76,670 per year. Scientific research and development services paid a better average salary at $107,170 per year. Astronomers working for the federal government made the most of all the industries at a mean salary of $130,570 per year.
Variation by Location
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Astronomers experience the same drastic variation in wages by location as most professions. Maryland had the most astronomers by population density and paid a mean $128,520 per year, also making it the highest paying state. California was also listed as one of the highest paying states in 2009, paying astronomers an average $118,230 per year. Texas was the fifth highest paying state with a mean salary of $87,870 per year.
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References
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