What Do Astronomer Do?
Job Description & Duties Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
A Day in the Life of an Astronomer
- Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
- Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
- Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.
- Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Astronomer?
Astronomers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Data Sciences Director
- Institute Director
- Astrophysicist
- Scientist
- Physics and Astronomy Professor
Job Outlook for Astronomers
In the United States, there were 2,000 jobs for Astronomer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 200 new jobs for Astronomer by 2026. The BLS estimates 200 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Astronomer are Arizona, Washington, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Hawaii, Maryland, or Texas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Astronomer
The salary for Astronomers ranges between about $57,490 and $165,770 a year.
Astronomers who work in District of Columbia, California, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Astronomers in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $104,100 |
| California | $113,130 |
| District of Columbia | $123,640 |
| Hawaii | $126,170 |
| New Mexico | $78,910 |
| Texas | $107,350 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Astronomers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Astronomers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- R
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Apache Hadoop
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Software development tools
- Interface definition language IDL
- C++
- Visual Numerics PV-WAVE
How to Become an Astronomer
What education is needed to be an Astronomer?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Astronomer?
Astronomers Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Ariz. via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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