How to become an Astronomer
Official title: Astronomers
Also called: Astronomer, Astronomy Outreach Coordinator, Astrophysicist, Research Astrophysicist
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Main 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.
How to become one
Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia. However, entry-level physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor's degree in physics.
Typical education to start: Doctoral or professional degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Science degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $128,820 a year The middle half earn $99,920 to $166,000.
- About 2,400 people work in this job now, and about 2,600 are projected by 2035. (+7.8%)
- People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.
Related jobs
- Physicists
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Chemists
- Materials Scientists
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Climate Change Policy Analysts
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Astronomer?
Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia. However, entry-level physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor's degree in physics.
How much does an Astronomer earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $128,820 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $99,920 to $166,000.
Is an Astronomer a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 2,400 to about 2,600 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become an Astronomer?
Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of an Astronomer?
People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.