Astronomers

Also Called: Astronomer, Astrophysicist, Research Scientist, Scientist

Post-doctoral Training

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$56,500

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Astronomers 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.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Duration of Typical Work Week
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work

Tools

  • Telescopes
  • Spectrometers
  • Radarbased surveillance systems
  • Spectrographs
  • Calorimeters

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics
The MathWorks MATLAB
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Development environment software
Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
National Instruments LabVIEW

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Science
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening

Knowledge

Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
physics
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Arts and Humanities
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design

Education

  • 64% Post-doctoral training
  • 27% Doctoral degree
  • 5% Bachelor's degree

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Weatherization Installers & Technicians

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Surveying & Mapping Technicians

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Astronomers Currently Selected

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Agnes Scott College

    Decatur, GA

  • Amherst College

    Amherst, MA

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Artistic (Creator)
    • Investigative (Thinker)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Initiative
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Persistence

Values

  • Achievement
  • Independence
  • Recognition

Abilities

  • Math
  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Attention

This is what Astronomers across the country typically make.

$27.17 / hour
$56,500 /year

Entry Level

$61.50 / hour
$127,930 /year

Median Level

$88.22 / hour
$183,500 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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