CFChooseField
Science

Astronomers

Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Astronomers
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Median pay

$132,170
Median annual pay for Astronomers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

2.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

1,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Astronomers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

0
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Doctoral or professional degree
Typical education needed to enter Astronomers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Reading Comprehension
  2. 2Science
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Physics
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3Computers and Electronics
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Engineering and Technology

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Written Comprehension
  6. 6Written Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Intellectual Curiosity
  2. 2Innovation
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Achievement Orientation
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Dependability

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Analyzing Data or Information
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Processing Information
  5. 5Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  6. 6Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Freedom to Make Decisions
  3. 3Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  4. 4Spend Time Sitting
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

The MathWorks MATLAB · in demandPython · in demandC · in demandC++ · in demandLinux · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyIBM SPSS Statistics · hot technologyOracle Java · hot technologyR · hot technologySAS · hot technologyApache Hadoop · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.