Top 1 cities for astronomers by average salary
| Washington, DC | $153,770 |
|---|
Map: Astronomers salary by metro area
Loading map…
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Astronomers salary by state
Maryland pays astronomers the most statewide, $144,760 a year on average. Statewide columns cover every employer in the state; city columns cover the metro areas we publish.
| State | Statewide average | Statewide median | Jobs | Metros | Highest city average | Lowest city average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1 | $153,770 | $153,770 |
| Maryland | $144,760 | $132,620 | 980 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Virginia | $132,650 | $128,930 | n/a | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| California | $128,340 | $123,540 | 110 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Arizona | $127,790 | $129,020 | 100 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Hawaii | $102,140 | $102,000 | 100 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Astronomers salary in every city we cover
Sort by any column. Each city links to its pay range, take-home pay and cost of living.
| Metro area | Average | Median | Hourly | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $153,770 | $156,750 | $73.93 | 520 |
Related jobs
- PhysicistsU.S. average $171,180
- Atmospheric and Space ScientistsU.S. average $106,110
- ChemistsU.S. average $100,450
- Materials ScientistsU.S. average $126,180
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including HealthU.S. average $91,680
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and GeographersU.S. average $116,150
- Physical Scientists, All OtherU.S. average $129,230
- HydrologistsU.S. average $103,600
Astronomers salary: questions
Where do astronomers make the most money?
In Washington, DC, with an average of $153,770 a year, among the 1 metro areas we cover.
What is the average astronomers salary in the U.S.?
$132,920 a year nationwide (BLS OEWS national estimates, May 2025); the median is $128,820, so half of astronomers earn more than that and half less.
What salary should astronomers ask for?
Start from the figures for your city: the middle half of astronomers nationwide earn between $99,920 (25th percentile) and $166,000 (75th percentile). Newer workers usually start near the 25th percentile and experienced ones can ask for the 75th; each city page shows the local range. See how to read salary percentiles.
Which state pays astronomers the most?
Maryland, with a statewide average of $144,760 a year (BLS state estimates, May 2025).
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-2011.
- U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.