Astronomers Salary in California
The median pay for a astronomers in California is $142,060/year ($68.3/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $78K at the entry level to $199K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $142K get you in California?
About astronomers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level astronomers (10th percentile) start around $78K. Mid-career wages sit at $142K.Top earners bring in $199K or more - a $121K 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 California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do astronomers make in California?
The median is $142,060 a year - that works out to about $68.3 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $77,940, and experienced astronomers can clear $198,520. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $142K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,209/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), 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 California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median astronomers salary is worth about $142,060 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.