How much does a astronomer make?

In the United States, pay can differ with experience, education and skills, employer (such as a university, lab, or federal agency), location, specialty, and responsibility. Some observing is at night; astronomers need no general work license, and fame is not a usual pay factor.

Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

What's a typical day like?

Most astronomers spend much of the day at a computer, analyzing telescope data or building models, and meet with colleagues to discuss results. They may teach or write papers; observers sometimes work through the night at a telescope.

In the U.S., study math and science, earn a physics or astronomy degree, then usually a Ph.D.; some programs have qualifying exams, but no general license is needed. Many do a 2–3-year postdoc and start job-hunting in their late 20s.

Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)

Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing.

Astronomers usually study telescope data on computers—not by peering through an eyepiece; in most cases, modern instruments aren't made for that.