Astronomers Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $157,980 +19.5% vs national
Median hourly $75.95
10th percentile $92,720
90th percentile $191,880
Employed locally 440
National median $132,170

Compare Astronomers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Astronomers
in
Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $92,720
    25th
    $125,820
    50th (median)
    $157,980
    75th
    $191,880
    90th
    $191,880

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Astronomers salary vs area income 128% Median Astronomers salary is 28% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Astronomers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $189,430
    Massachusetts $189,430
    Maryland $157,980
    California $142,060
    Arizona $125,480
    Washington $103,980

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$137,610
    Biological Scientists, All Other$105,580
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$112,120
    Economists$157,980
    Political Scientists$153,340
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$109,520

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Astronomers make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Astronomers in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $75.95, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $93.84 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Astronomers salaries?

    The median Astronomers salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 19.5% above the national median of $132,170. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Astronomers in Washington?

    Entry-level Astronomers (10th percentile) earn around $92,720 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $125,820.