Astronomer

Explore This Path

Unlock the mysteries of the universe and explore celestial wonders.
Contribute to scientific advancements and expand our cosmic understanding.
Discover new worlds and phenomena beyond our solar system.

💰 Earn $115K-$179K

📚 Doctoral or Professional Degree

⏱️ 48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 7.4% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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

Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Doctoral or Professional Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

Over 4 years

Job Openings

200 Annually

Median Earnings

$138,970 in California

$127,930 Nationally

$25K

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Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Being creative or artistic
Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Receiving recognition

Deep Dive

Astronomer

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years