Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
Astronomers
Astronomers observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Table of contents
What they do
Astronomers observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
- Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
- Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
- Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Astronomers analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers. They study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
- Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
- Direct the operations of a planetarium.
- Teach astronomy or astrophysics.
- Calculate orbits and determine the sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Astronomers also teach astronomy or astrophysics. They may also collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Astronomers develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis. They might also review scientific proposals and research papers.
In addition, they study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
To some Astronomers, it is also their responsibility to develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
69% said they were satisfied with their job and 65% said they found their job meaningful.
I have a Ph.D. in astrophysics and did research & teaching in astronomy for 16 years at various UK Universities and for NASA, at Goddard Space Flight Center, Washington DC.
I traveled to telescopes in exotic locations like Hawaii, the Canary Islands, Chile, and Australia, as well as use the Hubble Space Telescope & other satellite telescopes.
My Typical Day
Day to day life was not as glamorous as that sounds though. About 95% of my time I would be office based. I would usually be sat in front of a computer, in my own office. Typical tasks were analyzing data, emailing & talking to colleagues, attending meetings, writing research proposals & papers, reviewing other research, and teaching. A typical day would be to get to my office around 8.30 am, check and reply to emails, and then work on one of my current projects. That might involve analyzing data from a recent visit to a telescope, which might take weeks to complete, or preparing a grant or research proposal. Then, with colleagues from down the corridor, and also abroad, I’d write up the research and its implications. That can take a long time!
Getting time on the large telescopes is very competitive; you write a proposal, with detailed evidence, and then you may (or may not) get allocated 3-4 nights of observing time the following year. For satellite telescopes like the Hubble or satellite X-ray telescopes (like XMM & Chandra), it’s even more competitive. They are hugely oversubscribed.
Lunch would sometimes be with colleagues, but more often at my desk. After lunch, I would go through the details of the astrophysics I was due to teach that afternoon. That would be a lecture to 50 students for an hour or perhaps in-depth teaching in a small group. I might also have other people’s research papers or proposals to review, or a Department meeting. I’d finish at perhaps 5pm.
Around 2-3 times a year I would go observing to a telescope, talk at an international conference, or go to a progress meeting of a large international research project. Occasionally we would have a very interesting research result, and get excited!
Pros
Most astronomers work in universities or at government organizations like NASA. These employers are flexible on holidays and work hours. Plus you get to travel. You can choose what research to work on, to a large degree. There is the intellectual stimulation of discovering new things.
Cons
You need a good degree in Physics, then a Ph.D. That’s a long time being a student. Your first research job after that will not be permanent (typically for 3 years), and you can be very concerned about where the next grant to pay your salary is coming from. Or you might have to move a big distance to a new University or lab to get the next job. Competition for the few permanent jobs is intense.
Why did you change your career as an Astronomer?
I was always on 3 or 5-year job contracts, and looking over my shoulder at the next grant or job. In the end, I decided to put down some roots, we started a family, and I turned my photography hobby into a business, KidsNaturally Photography.
Pros
Suitable for people who like to solve problems mentally.
Suitable for people who value achievements and are results-oriented.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
One of the highest-paid careers in the world.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to start and carry out projects.
It is very hard to get into this career. Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are required for this career.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Astronomers with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $62,410 to $79,930 per year or $30 to $38 per hour.
Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Highest (Top 10%) | $189,690 | $91 |
Senior (Top 25%) | $166,710 | $80 |
Median | $119,730 | $58 |
Junior (Bottom 25%) | $79,930 | $38 |
No experience (Bottom 10%) | $62,410 | $30 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Astronomers based on their average annual salary.
Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Federal Executive Branch | $146440 | $70.40 |
Scientific Research and Development Services | $142130 | $68.33 |
Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions | $113440 | $54.54 |
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $96570 | $46.43 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Astronomers work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Astronomers including the average salary in that industry.
Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
---|---|---|---|
Scientific Research and Development Services | 720 | $142130 | $68.33 |
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 660 | $96570 | $46.43 |
Federal Executive Branch | 460 | $146440 | $70.40 |
Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions | 40 | $113440 | $54.54 |
What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
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Telephone
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Group discussions
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Public speaking
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Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Physics and Astronomy
Astronomy
Astrophysics
Planetary Astronomy and Science
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
They also like working with forms, designs, and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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