Astronomers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a astronomers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $157,980/year ($75.95/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $93K at the entry level to $192K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $145,096 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,246/month, or 24.1% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $158K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About astronomers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level astronomers (10th percentile) start around $93K. Mid-career wages sit at $158K.Top earners bring in $192K or more - a $99K 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do astronomers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $157,980 a year - that works out to about $75.95 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $92,720, and experienced astronomers can clear $191,880. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $158K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $9,012/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 24.9% 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (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 $145,096 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.