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Astronomers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Astronomers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$123,540
Median Annual Salary
▼
-13.0% vs 2024
$128,340
Mean Salary
$123,540
Median Salary
$59.39
Hourly Rate
110 people work as Astronomers in California
Astronomers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Astronomers in California earn a median salary of $123,540 per year ($10,295/month).
This is 0.3% above the national average of $123,222.
California ranks #4 out of 5 states for Astronomers pay.
Approximately 110 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 13.0% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Astronomers
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Top Skills
Reading Comprehension
4.25
Science
4.25
Critical Thinking
4.12
Active Listening
4.0
Writing
4.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Mathematics
5.0
Physics
4.91
Computers and Electronics
4.55
English Language
4.32
Engineering and Technology
3.68
Typical Education: Post-Doctoral Training
(63.6% of workers)
Salaries for Astronomers in California range from $76,020 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $195,190 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $76,020 and $182,780.
The median annual salary for Astronomers in California is $123,540 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $128,340.
What is the salary range for a Astronomers in California?
Salaries for Astronomers in California range from $76,020 at the 10th percentile to $195,190 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $76,020 and $182,780.
What is the starting salary for a Astronomers in California?
Entry-level Astronomers positions in California typically start around $76,020 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $76,020 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Astronomers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 110 people are employed as Astronomers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Astronomers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Astronomers in California is approximately $59.39 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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