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Alamo Colleges DistrictCareer Explorer

Astronomers

Part of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, in the Science and Mathematics pathway.

Bright outlookJob zone 5: extensive preparationO*NET 19-2011.00

What the work is

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

On a typical day

  • Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
  • Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
  • Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
  • Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.
  • Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
  • Raise funds for scientific research.

What it pays

$128,820
Median pay per year, United States (no San Antonio figure published)
New workers start near $78,010
Experienced workers reach $195,190
  1. $78k10th
  2. $100k25th
  3. $129kMedian
  4. $166k75th
  5. $195k90th
Wage percentiles: 10th $78,010, 25th $99,920, Median $128,820, 75th $166,000, 90th $195,190

Job outlook

U.S. projection, 2024 to 2034.

+2%

U.S. employment change

100

openings a year nationwide, from growth and people leaving

1,800

employed nationwide in 2024

Typical entry education: Doctoral or professional degree

Skills this career uses

The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.

  1. Reading Comprehension5.1
  2. Science5.1
  3. Writing5.0
  4. Mathematics5.0
  5. Critical Thinking4.1
  6. Active Learning4.9
  7. Speaking4.8
  8. Active Listening4.1

Education people in this job have

Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.

  1. Master's degree9%
  2. Doctoral or professional91%

Job zone 5, extensive preparation: A graduate or professional degree, usually after a bachelor's.

Alamo programs that lead here

  • Palo Alto
  • St. Philip's
  • San Antonio
  1. Physics

    Degree · Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

  2. Physics

    Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

  3. Astronomy

    Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

  4. Physics

    Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

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