# Astronomers

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

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/careers/astronomers
- SOC code: 19-2011.00
- Career family: Science
- Median annual pay: $128,820 (10th percentile $78,010, 90th percentile $195,190)
- Projected growth: Faster than average, +7.8%
- Openings a year: 100
- Typical entry education: Doctoral or professional degree
- Bright outlook: yes
- Data years: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections

## Interest profile (code IRC)

| Interest area | Score (0–100) |
| --- | ---: |
| Realistic (R) | 68 |
| Investigative (I) | 100 |
| Artistic (A) | 38 |
| Social (S) | 28 |
| Enterprising (E) | 15 |
| Conventional (C) | 51 |

## What you'd do

- Working with Computers (importance 98/100)
- Analyzing Data or Information (importance 97/100)
- Getting Information (importance 96/100)
- Processing Information (importance 91/100)
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (importance 89/100)
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems (importance 85/100)
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (importance 79/100)
- Thinking Creatively (importance 79/100)
- Documenting/Recording Information (importance 75/100)
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (importance 75/100)

## Skills

Reading Comprehension, Science, Critical Thinking, Mathematics, Writing, Active Learning, Active Listening, Speaking, Learning Strategies, Judgment and Decision Making

## Knowledge

Physics, Mathematics, Computers and Electronics, English Language, Education and Training, Engineering and Technology, Chemistry, Communications and Media, Administration and Management, Design

## Also called

Astronomer, Astronomy Outreach Coordinator, Astrophysicist, Cosmologist, Extragalactic Astronomer, Galactic Astronomer, High-Energy Astrophysicist, Institute Scientist, Optical Astronomer, Planetary Astronomer

## Majors that lead here (NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk, 4-digit CIP)

- [Astronomy and Astrophysics](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/4002) (CIP 4002, 164 colleges)
- Physics and Astronomy (CIP 4011, 5 colleges)

## Colleges with strong outcomes (College Scorecard, 2025)

| College | Program | Earnings 1 yr | Earnings 4 yrs | Median debt |
| --- | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| [University of California-Berkeley CAL](https://www.collegesref.com/college/university-of-california-berkeley-cal-2881) | Astronomy and Astrophysics | $43,091 | $90,943 | $18,600 |
| [University of Colorado Boulder Main Campus](https://www.collegesref.com/college/university-of-colorado-boulder-main-campus-2899) | Astronomy and Astrophysics | $44,591 | $72,698 | $19,108 |
| [The University of Texas at Austin Main Campus](https://www.collegesref.com/college/the-university-of-texas-at-austin-main-campus-2764) | Astronomy and Astrophysics | $55,754 | $65,987 | not reported |

## Related careers

- [Physicists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/physicists): $172,250 median pay
- [Mathematicians](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/mathematicians): $126,710 median pay
- [Physics Teachers, Postsecondary](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/physics-teachers-postsecondary): $100,310 median pay
- [Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/geoscientists-except-hydrologists-and-geographers): $101,920 median pay
- [Biochemists and Biophysicists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/biochemists-and-biophysicists): $127,410 median pay
- [Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/atmospheric-earth-marine-and-space-sciences-teachers-postsecondary): $103,170 median pay

## Sources

- [O*NET Database](https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html), version 31.0 (CC BY 4.0)
- [BLS Employment Projections](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables.htm), version 2025-35, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm), version 2025, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/resources.aspx?y=56), version 2020, data year 2020 (Public domain (U.S. government work))

O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.