Astronomers Salary Trend (2011–2024)
Historical salary and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Median Salary in 2024
$132,170
↑ 38.4% since 2011
Median Salary Over Time
Astronomers — Median Annual Salary
Employment Over Time
Astronomers — Total Employment
Key Insights
📈Salaries grew 38.4% since 2011 ($95,500 → $132,170)
🏆Peak year: 2024 at $132,170
🦠COVID impact: Salary rose 4.5% from 2019 to 2020, likely reflecting workforce composition changes.
💰After inflation (~3%/yr), real growth is approximately -6%
Year-by-Year Salary Data
| Year | Median Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $132,170 | +3.3% |
| 2023 | $127,930 | -0.3% |
| 2022 | $128,330 | +0.1% |
| 2021 | $128,160 | +7.0% |
| 2020 | $119,730 | +4.5% |
| 2019 | $114,590 | +8.4% |
| 2018 | $105,680 | +5.1% |
| 2017 | $100,590 | -4.0% |
| 2016 | $104,740 | +0.6% |
| 2015 | $104,100 | -1.2% |
| 2014 | $105,410 | -4.6% |
| 2013 | $110,450 | +14.5% |
| 2012 | $96,460 | +1.0% |
| 2011 | $95,500 | — |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2011–2024. All figures are annual median wages in nominal dollars.