The occupation Astronomers had 33 H1B visa filings in 2026 with a median salary of $89,100/yr. Below is a detailed breakdown by employer, state, and wage level.
Top Employers Hiring Astronomers
Companies sponsoring the most H1B visa positions for Astronomers:
| Employer | Filings | Avg Salary |
|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | 3 | $92,698 |
| New Mexico State University | 3 | $73,333 |
| National Radio Astronomy Observatory | 3 | $101,131 |
| AURA/SPACE TELESCOPE SCIENCE INSTITUTE | 3 | $144,333 |
| University of Maryland College Park | 2 | $89,335 |
| University of Colorado | 2 | $105,275 |
| Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory | 2 | $92,022 |
| Columbia University | 2 | $84,538 |
| University of Washington | 1 | $106,260 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 1 | $104,500 |
| Universities Space Research Association | 1 | $84,646 |
| UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE | 1 | $63,565 |
| The University of Chicago | 1 | $85,000 |
| TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | 1 | $77,923 |
| TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY | 1 | $89,100 |
Salary by State
Astronomers H1B visa salaries vary by worksite location. Here is the breakdown across the top hiring states:
| State | Filings | Median Salary | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD | 6 | $96,980 | $114,445 |
| NM | 5 | $75,000 | $80,006 |
| IL | 4 | $85,000 | $90,774 |
| MA | 3 | $80,328 | $86,348 |
| CO | 3 | $102,550 | $99,883 |
| CA | 3 | $104,500 | $109,781 |
| NY | 2 | $94,076 | $84,538 |
| WA | 1 | $106,260 | $106,260 |
| VA | 1 | $123,365 | $123,365 |
| SC | 1 | $63,565 | $63,565 |
| PA | 1 | $77,923 | $77,923 |
| HI | 1 | $63,564 | $63,564 |
| DE | 1 | $63,565 | $63,565 |
| AL | 1 | $84,646 | $84,646 |
Wage Level Distribution
H1B visa positions are classified by prevailing wage level. This shows how Astronomers positions are distributed across wage levels:
| Wage Level | Filings | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry Level) | 20 | 60.6% |
| Level II (Experienced) | 8 | 24.2% |
| Level IV (Executive) | 3 | 9.1% |
Related Occupations
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the H1B visa salary for Astronomers?
The median H1B visa salary for Astronomers is $89,100 per year based on 33 approved filings in 2026.
How many H1B visas are sponsored for Astronomers?
33 H1B visa applications were approved for Astronomers positions in 2026.
Which companies hire Astronomers on H1B visas?
Major technology companies, financial institutions, and consulting firms frequently sponsor Astronomers positions. See the top employers list on this page for details.
What states hire the most for this occupation on H1B visas?
Technology hubs like California, Texas, and New York account for the majority of H1B visa positions. Specific state data is shown in the breakdown table above.
How much do I need to earn on an H1B visa?
You must be paid the prevailing wage for your occupation and location. H1B visa wages are determined by wage level classifications (I-IV), with Level IV representing the highest wage tier.