Astronomer salary
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
An astronomer earns a median of $128,820 a year ($61.94 an hour) in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The average is $132,920. About 2,120 people work in this job.
Take-home pay on $128,820
- Gross pay
- $4,954.62
- Federal income tax
- −$755.80
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$307.19
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$71.84
- Texas income tax
- $0.00No state income tax on wages
- Take-home pay
- $3,819.79
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $128,820
- Federal
- $19,651
- FICA
- $9,855
- State + local
- $0
- Net
- $99,314
- Marginal federal rate
- 24.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 0.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
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- Nuclear Technician: $110,240
- Sociologist: $106,030
BLS occupation: Astronomers. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 19-2011). Excludes the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an astronomer make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $61.94; the average is $63.91.
What is the salary range for an astronomer?
The bottom 10% earn under $78,010 and the top 10% earn over $195,190 a year.
How much is $128,820 after taxes?
About $99,314 a year in Texas (no state income tax) or $89,905 in California for a single filer in 2026.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.