How Much Does an Astrophysics Make? Salary by State
Median annual salary (U.S.)
$128,820
Astronomers and astrophysicists in the U.S. earn a median of $128,820 a year, or $61.94 an hour. Half of astronomers and astrophysicists earn more than $128,820 and half earn less. The top 10% make more than $195,190.
Pay percentiles for astronomers and astrophysicists
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $37.50 | $78,010 |
| 25th | $48.04 | $99,920 |
| 50th (median) | $61.94 | $128,820 |
| 75th | $79.81 | $166,000 |
| 90th | $93.84 | $195,190 |
U.S. wages, May 2025. BLS occupation: Astronomers (SOC 19-2011). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
Highest-paying states for astronomers and astrophysicists
| State | Median annual | Median hourly | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $132,620 | $63.76 | +3% |
| Arizona | $129,020 | $62.03 | 0% |
| Virginia | $128,930 | $61.99 | 0% |
| California | $123,540 | $59.39 | −4% |
| Hawaii | $102,000 | $49.04 | −21% |
| United States | $128,820 | $61.94 | — |
Top 5 states by median annual wage, May 2025. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
How many astronomers and astrophysicists are there?
BLS counts about 2,120 astronomers and astrophysicists employed in the U.S. (May 2025, excluding the self-employed). These figures cover the BLS occupation “Astronomers”. The most jobs are in Maryland (980), California (110) and Arizona (100).
The mean (average) annual wage is $132,920, higher than the median of $128,820.
Hourly to annual pay calculator
Per year
- Monthly
- $10,735
- Biweekly
- $4,955
- Weekly
- $2,477
- Daily (8 hours)
- $495
- Hours per year
- 2,080
BLS annual figure; hourly × 2,080 may differ slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do astronomers and astrophysicists make an hour?
The median hourly wage for astronomers and astrophysicists is $61.94. The middle 50% earn between $48.04 and $79.81 an hour.
Which state pays astronomers and astrophysicists the most?
Maryland has the highest median wage for astronomers and astrophysicists at $132,620, +3% vs. the U.S. median.
What is the starting salary for astronomers and astrophysicists?
BLS does not report pay by experience, but the lowest-paid 10% of astronomers and astrophysicists earn less than $78,010 a year, a common proxy for entry-level pay.