Astronomers Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
The median pay for a astronomers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $189,430/year ($91.07/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $76K at the entry level to $206K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.27), so that salary is closer to $174,961 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,941/month, or 26.5% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $189K get you in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
About astronomers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Entry-level astronomers (10th percentile) start around $76K. Mid-career wages sit at $189K.Top earners bring in $206K or more - a $130K spread from bottom to top.
Astronomers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $189K | +43% | 70 |
| Maryland | $158K | +20% | 570 |
| California | $142K | +7% | 170 |
| Arizona | $125K | -5% | 90 |
| Washington | $104K | -21% | 40 |
| Hawaii | $103K | -22% | 140 |
Track astronomers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Boston-Cambridge-Newton numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do astronomers make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median is $189,430 a year - that works out to about $91.07 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $75,740, and experienced astronomers can clear $205,630. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $189K enough to live in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $10,965/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,941/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 26.8% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a astronomers salary go in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
Boston-Cambridge-Newton has a Regional Price Parity of 108.27 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median astronomers salary is worth about $174,961 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do astronomers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.