Job description
Astronomers are scientists who try to understand how the universe functions. They study planets and the Sun in our solar system, but they also research other solar systems, moons, galaxies, stars, comets, other celestial bodies and the entire universe.
Duties
- Observe, study and analyse the nature of all celestial matter in the universe
- Record findings of research and observations performed regarding these entities
- Collect data from the research using observatories and satellites
- Assess and evaluate this data and complete reports that outline conclusions
- Coordinate and cooperate with team members and other agencies on satellite communications
- Create solutions to space flights navigational systems
- Write computer programs and models to assist their work
- Perform tests on these computer programs and models to ensure efficacy
- Attend industry conferences, meetings and seminars to discuss astronomical discoveries
- Participate in guest lectures on all things space at colleges and universities
Skills and qualities
Job outlook
Projected growth
10%
New jobs
200
Automation risk
4%
Career progression
Many astronomers will first work at a college or university as a researcher or teaching assistant. With enough experience, they will find employment at government departments, national observatories, museums, other postsecondary institutions, and private businesses that specialise in aerospace.
Working conditions
Average hours
40h/ week
Typical schedule
Full Time
Night-time working every common
Most astronomers maintain typical 40-hour work schedules rather than sitting inside observatories peering through a telescope all night long. While it does vary on a specific project they might be working on, astronomers usually work in national observatories, laboratories, university offices or at organisations such as aerospace companies and science museums.
Many astronomers will travel across the nation or outside the country to engage with other astronomers, deliver lectures or participate in a research project, which oftentimes requires sitting outside at night and gazing at the stars.
Salary
Bottom 10%
$57k
Median
$110k
Top 10%
$170k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
Postgraduate
PhD in astronomy
Study time
5–7 years
To become an astronomer, you must complete your bachelor’s degree in astronomy or a related subjected at an accredited university or college, which takes four years to finish. If you wish to further pursue this field, then you can commence your PhD., which takes up to seven years to complete.
Once you receive your PhD, you can apply for a postdoctoral research position, which takes three years to finish. During this time, you will be working with senior astronomers on a diverse array of projects – you might even collaborate with astronomers who are employed by the federal government and have security clearance.
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
