Astronomers in Washington
Thinking about a career as an Astronomers in Washington? 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 Washington?
The astronomers working in Washington, wages run about $103,980 per year (or roughly $49.99/hour).Pay can range from $70,400 at the 10th percentile to $184,370 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $70,400 | $33.85 |
| 25th percentile | $83,460 | $40.13 |
| Median (50th) | $103,980 | $49.99 |
| 75th percentile | $177,260 | $85.22 |
| 90th percentile | $184,370 | $88.64 |
The job concentration index in Washington nationwide is 1.06.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, astronomers earn a median of $106,445 per year ($51.18/hour), lower than the Washington median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 120,217 astronomers across the United States. In Washington alone, about 40 people work in this role. That trails the typical state, which employs around 140 astronomers.
Top Washington Metros for Astronomers
The metro areas below employ the most astronomers in Washington.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 40 | $83,460 |
Top States for Astronomers Employment
View the states that employ 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
The abilities that matter most for astronomers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, astronomers typically:
- 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
Technologies frequently used: 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
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.