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Astronomers
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Other titles employers use
Astronomer · Astronomy Outreach Coordinator · Astrophysicist · Research Astrophysicist · Cosmologist · Extragalactic Astronomer · Galactic Astronomer · High-energy Astrophysicist
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, practical and organizing work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
Subjects to know
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Education and Training
Useful strengths
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.7 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 2.1 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.1 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 1.8 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a doctorate or a professional degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A doctorate or professional degree 91%
- A master's degree 9%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Object or component oriented development software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Development environment software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Data base management system software
- Operating system software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 890
- Job openings each year
- 60
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 8.5%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 890 | 60 | 8.5% |
| Colorado | 490 | 40 | 19.5% |
| Texas | 90 | 10 | 12.5% |
| Washington | 50 | 0 | 25.0% |
| New Mexico | 40 | 0 | — |
| Ohio | 10 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
University of Colorado Boulder
- Degrees each year
- 76
- Admit rate
- 83%
- Annual cost after aid
- $19,000
University of California-Berkeley
- Degrees each year
- 46
- Admit rate
- 12%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
University of California-Santa Cruz
- Degrees each year
- 40
- Admit rate
- 63%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Degrees each year
- 38
- Admit rate
- 43%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 36
- Admit rate
- 51%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
University of California-Los Angeles
- Degrees each year
- 30
- Admit rate
- 9%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
The University of Texas at Austin
- Degrees each year
- 29
- Admit rate
- 29%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
- Degrees each year
- 28
- Admit rate
- 66%
- Annual cost after aid
- $37,000