Astronomers in Massachusetts
Thinking about a career as an Astronomers in Massachusetts? Here’s what the data says. Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
What do Astronomers Make in Massachusetts?
For a astronomers working in Massachusetts, the typical annual salary is $189,430 per year (or roughly $91.07/hour).Annual wages span from $75,740 at the 10th percentile to $205,630 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $75,740 | $36.41 |
| 25th percentile | $96,930 | $46.60 |
| Median (50th) | $189,430 | $91.07 |
| 75th percentile | $200,180 | $96.24 |
| 90th percentile | $205,630 | $98.86 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Massachusetts nationwide is 1.79, indicating that astronomers are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, astronomers earn a median of $106,445 per year ($51.18/hour), above the Massachusetts median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 120,217 astronomers in the U.S.. In Massachusetts alone, around 70 people work in this role. That’s fewer than the typical state, which employs around 140 astronomers.
Top Massachusetts Metros for Astronomers
The largest metro-area employers of astronomers in Massachusetts.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 60 | $189,430 |
Top States for Astronomers Employment
The table below shows the states where the most 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
Key astronomers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core 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?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Physics and Astronomy
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar 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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