Astronomer
Also known as: astronomy researcher, astronomy science researcher, astronomy research analyst, astronomy scientist, astrophysicist, astronomy research scientist
About this occupation
Astronomers research the formation, structures, properties, and development of celestial bodies and interstellar matter. They use ground-based equipment and space-based equipment to collect data about the space for research purposes.
Essential skills and knowledge
- execute analytical mathematical calculations
- astronomy
- statistics
- carry out scientific research in observatory
- gather experimental data
- operate scientific measuring equipment
- physics
- apply scientific methods
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- mathematics
- perform scientific research
- scientific research methodology
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Astronomers (O*NET 19-2011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Science, Writing, Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Active Listening
US median pay: US$128,820 a year (2025), 2,120 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsExtremely important (5.0)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsExtremely important (4.9)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.2)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
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O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.