Astronomers in California
Thinking about a career as an Astronomers in California? Here’s what you need to know. Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
What do Astronomers Make in California?
The astronomers working in California, the median annual wage is $142,060 per year (or about $68.30/hour).Pay can range from $77,940 at the 10th percentile to $198,520 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,940 | $37.47 |
| 25th percentile | $97,020 | $46.65 |
| Median (50th) | $142,060 | $68.30 |
| 75th percentile | $184,870 | $88.88 |
| 90th percentile | $198,520 | $95.44 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in California relative to the national average — is 0.94.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, astronomers earn a median of $106,445 per year ($51.18/hour), higher than the California median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 120,217 astronomers across the United States. In California alone, approximately 170 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 140 astronomers.
Top States for Astronomers Employment
These states have the highest employment of astronomers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Maryland | 570 |
| California | 170 |
| Hawaii | 140 |
| Arizona | 90 |
| Massachusetts | 70 |
| Washington | 40 |
Highest-Paying States for Astronomers
These states pay the most for astronomers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $189,430 |
| Maryland | $157,980 |
| California | $142,060 |
| Arizona | $125,480 |
| Washington | $103,980 |
| Hawaii | $103,000 |
Skills
Top astronomers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for astronomers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
- Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
- Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
- Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.
- Teach astronomy or astrophysics.
- Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
- Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.
- Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
- Review scientific proposals and research papers.
- Raise funds for scientific research.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Getting Information
- Processing Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Thinking Creatively
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Apache Hadoop, C In-demand technologies: C
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Physics and Astronomy
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to astronomers include:
- Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Mathematicians
- Statisticians
- Data Scientists
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Also Known As
Astronomer, Astronomy Outreach Coordinator, Astrophysicist, Cosmologist, Extragalactic Astronomer, Galactic Astronomer, High-Energy Astrophysicist, Institute Scientist, Optical Astronomer, Planetary Astronomer, Postdoc Scientist (Postdoctoral Scientist), Postdoctoral Associate (Postdoc Associate), Postdoctoral Research Associate (Postdoc Research Associate), Postdoctoral Scholar (Postdoc Scholar), Radio Astronomer.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-2011.00
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