Astronomers in California
Want to work as an Astronomers in California? Below are the key facts. Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
What do Astronomers Make in California?
For astronomers working in California, the typical annual salary is $142,060 per year (or roughly $68.30/hour).Annual wages span from $77,940 at the 10th percentile to $198,520 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,940 | $37.47 |
| 25th percentile | $97,020 | $46.65 |
| Median (50th) | $142,060 | $68.30 |
| 75th percentile | $184,870 | $88.88 |
| 90th percentile | $198,520 | $95.44 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in California compared to the national average — is 0.94.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, astronomers earn a median of $106,445 per year ($51.18/hour), higher than the California median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 120,217 astronomers in the U.S.. In California alone, around 170 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 140 astronomers.
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
The highest-paying states 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
Top astronomers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key 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?
Related college programs include:
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Physics and Astronomy
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like 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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