Astronomers Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
The median pay for a astronomers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $83,460/year ($40.13/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $70K at the entry level to $184K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.13), so that salary is closer to $75,101 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,501/month — about 44.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $83K get you in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
About astronomers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Entry-level astronomers (10th percentile) start around $70K. Mid-career wages sit at $83K.Top earners bring in $184K or more - a $114K 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do astronomers make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median is $83,460 a year - that works out to about $40.13 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $70,400, and experienced astronomers can clear $184,370. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $83K enough to live in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,592/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,501/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 44.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a astronomers salary go in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has a Regional Price Parity of 111.13 (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 $75,101 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.