What Does an Astronomer Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does an astronomer do?

Astronomers study planets, stars, galaxies and other celestial bodies, using ground-based and space-based telescopes. The median pay is $128,820 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s plus postdocs, and employment is projected to grow +7.8% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$128,820
$61.94/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+7.8%
2025–35, much faster than average
Openings per year
100
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS classification
Time to train
5–7 years after a bachelor’s plus postdocs
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
2,400
Employment, 2025

What astronomers do

Astronomers explore the universe. They use telescopes and space missions to collect data, write code to analyze it, build models of stars and galaxies, publish papers and often teach at universities.

Astronomers usually need a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics. It is a very small, competitive field.

Typical duties

Plan observations
Analyze data
Build models
Write code
Publish papers
Write proposals
Teach and mentor

Work environment and schedule

Astronomers work at universities, observatories and space agencies.

Schedule: Full time, with night observing at times.

A day in the life

9:00 AMProcess telescope data.
11:00 AMMeet collaborators by video.
12:30 PMWrite analysis code.
2:00 PMTeach an astronomy class.

See a full day in the life of an astronomer →

Astronomer salary

Half of astronomers earned more than $128,820 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $78,010 for the lowest 10% to $195,190 for the top 10%.

$78,01010th$128,820Median$195,19090th

Full astronomer pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an astronomer

Earn a physics or astronomy bachelor’s
Do research
Earn a Ph.D.
Complete postdocs
Get a permanent position

A Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics or physics is typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an astronomer →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Astrophysics
Data analysis
Python programming
Statistics
Observing

People skills

Curiosity
Persistence
Collaboration
Communication

All astronomer skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Fascinating science
High pay
Global collaboration
Cutting-edge tech

Cons

Very small field
Long training
Competitive jobs
Grant pressure

Certifications and licenses

Ph.D.: Typical.
Postdoctoral fellowships: Common.
Programming skills: Essential.
Telescope time awards: Competitive.

Career path

Graduate Researcher: Training.
Postdoctoral Fellow: Research.
Staff Astronomer or Professor: Permanent role.
Observatory Director: Lead.

Learn the job before day one

Our Astronomer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as write a telescope time proposal and reduce raw telescope images, safety and how to land your first job.

View Astronomer training Is this career right for me?

Physicist

Study matter, energy and forces to discover how the universe works.

$172,250
5–7 years after a bachelor’s

Physics Professor

Teach physics and lead research into how the universe works.

$100,310
6–9 years after a bachelor’s

Aerospace Engineer

Design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles.

$134,960
4-year engineering degree

Data Scientist

Turn data into insights and predictions that guide decisions.

$120,230
4–6 years

Compare: Astronomer vs. Physicist · Astronomer vs. Physics Professor · Astronomer vs. Aerospace Engineer · Astronomer vs. Data Scientist

Astronomer FAQ

Is astronomy a career?

Yes, but it’s very small and competitive.

Do astronomers need a Ph.D.?

Usually.

Do astronomers look through telescopes?

Mostly they analyze digital data.

How much does an astronomer make?

The median annual wage for astronomers was $128,820 ($61.94 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $78,010 and the highest 10% earned more than $195,190.

How long does it take to become an astronomer?

Most people need about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s plus postdocs of training. A Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics or physics is typical.

Do you need a degree to be an astronomer?

Yes, for most roles. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical, and research astronomers almost always hold a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-2011 (Astronomers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Astronomers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Astronomer