How long does it take to become an astronomer?

Typically eight years or more of study. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do astronomers make?

The US median is $128,820 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become an astronomer?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become an astronomer?

122 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become an astronomer

Science · SOC 19-2011

$128,820US median pay, 2025

+7.8%Projected growth, 2025–35

100Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Doctoral or professional degree
Work as an astronomer

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Astronomy	CIP 40.0201	79
Astrophysics	CIP 40.0202	42
Planetary Astronomy and Science	CIP 40.0203	14
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other	CIP 40.0299	11
Physics and Astronomy	CIP 40.1101	3

See the 122 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become an astronomer?: Typically eight years or more of study. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do astronomers make?: The US median is $128,820 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become an astronomer?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become an astronomer?: 122 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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