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Astronomers

Career Cluster

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Focuses on laboratory services, testing, and research. In this field, you will plan, manage, and conduct scientific research.

Learn more about this cluster

At a glance

Recommended education
Recommended education
For this career, most jobs require this level of education. It may be possible to qualify for some jobs without this level of education. Recommendation provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Master's or doctorate degree
Projected growth
Projected growth

This is the expected change in employment for this career in the selected county or state. For example, if a career is expected to double from 100 jobs to 200 jobs, this would show 100%. Due to how projected growth is reported, similar careers may show the same percentage.

These numbers represent the latest 10-year projection period (2018-2028). Data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

N/AN/A

Expected pay range

Expected pay range

This represents the median earnings for this career in the selected county or state. In the range shown, 25% of workers earned less than the bottom salary and 25% earned more than the top salary. Data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Monthly cost of living

These numbers give you an idea of how much you can spend each month on common expenses with this salary. Percentages are the average a person with no children spends according to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These numbers are a starting point and will differ person to person.

Monthly income (before taxes)
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Housing (33%)
Housing
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on rent or mortgage, utilities, home or renters insurance, and home improvements. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A
Transportation (17%)
Transportation
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on car payments, auto insurance, public transportation, and ride shares, Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A
Food (13%)
Food
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on groceries and preparing meals at home. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A
Savings and retirement (12%)
Savings and retirement
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on 401(k), emergency funds, and life insurance. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A
Education and loans (10%)
Education and loans
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on continuing education and student loan debt. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Use the federal student loan estimator to estimate loan payments.
N/A
Healthcare and wellness (8%)
Healthcare and wellness
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on health insurance, co-pays, fitness memberships, and supplements. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A
Entertainment (5%)
Entertainment
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on shopping, dining out, and leisure activities. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A
Other expenses (2%)
Other expenses
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on clothing, personal care, and services. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A

Your actual expenses may differ from those listed. You’ll need to account for the amount taken out in taxes each month. Learn more about income tax expenses. Your student loan payments may also differ. To calculate your student loan payments, use the federal student loan repayment estimator.

About astronomers

Find programs for this career
What they do

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

Other titles

Astronomer, Astrophysicist, Data Scientist, Research Scientist, Scientist

Skills they need

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Licenses and Certifications they may hold

How to decide which one is right? That depends on an individual’s career path, specialty, and resources.

Certifications

Certifications may be available for this career and can help build knowledge and skills in specific job roles. Explore available certifications

Similar careers

View careers in the same field as astronomers.

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

Learn more
Biochemists and Biophysicists

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Learn more
Mathematicians
Better pay

Median salary for this career is higher than the median salary of all careers in the county selected. Salary data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

In demand

In demand careers have high-growth, high-demand, and emerging jobs critical to Texas. They are based on economic indicators like in demand industries, labor market trends, and economic conditions, provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.

Learn more
Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

Learn more