Astronomers

Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

$166,290
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+4% projected 2024โ€“2034
Doctoral or professional degree
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Astronomers spend their time studying celestial objects and phenomena throughout the universe, from planets and stars to galaxies and black holes. They use powerful telescopes, both ground-based and space-based, to collect data on everything from distant supernovae to potentially habitable exoplanets. Much of their work involves analyzing massive datasets, running complex computer simulations, and developing mathematical models to explain what they observe. They might study the formation of stars, track asteroids that could approach Earth, or investigate the mysterious nature of dark matter and dark energy.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)University of California-Berkeley, CA
$54,746
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI
$45,783
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)University of Colorado Boulder, CO
$45,066
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Arizona State University Digital Immersion, AZ
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Baylor University, TX
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Benedictine College, KS
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Barnard College, NY
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Boston University, MA
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Brigham Young University, UT
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Brown University, RI
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Bryn Mawr College, PA
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Butler University, IN
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)California Institute of Technology, CA
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Carnegie Mellon University, PA
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Central Michigan University, MI
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Case Western Reserve University, OH
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Colby College, ME
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Colgate University, NY
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)College of Charleston, SC
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Concordia College at Moorhead, MN
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Cornell University, NY
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Dartmouth College, NH
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)DePaul University, IL
$40,119
Astronomy and Astrophysics(bachelors)Bennington College, VT
$40,119

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