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Average Astronomers Salary in California

Yes, California is a highly lucrative market for Astronomerss. With an average annual salary of $141,660, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $141,660 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $198,520.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Astronomerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader California economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$141,660

The average Astronomers in California earns+10.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$68.1

Weekly

$2,724

Monthly

$11,805

Astronomers Salary Distribution in California

The earning potential for Astronomerss in California varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.5x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $77,940, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $198,520.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$77,940$37.5
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$106,245$51.1
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$142,060$68.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$177,075$85.1
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$198,520$95.4

Detailed Astronomers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$141,660

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$102,282

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average salary of $141,660 in California is 10% higher than the national average, you should be aware of the cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, your real purchasing power is actually lower, effectively feeling like $102,282.

Job Market Context

170

Total Jobs

0.01

Per 1K Jobs

0.94

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.94x the national average concentration of Astronomers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

170 people work as Astronomers in California.

Only 0.01 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Astronomers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Astronomerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Astronomers make in California?

The median annual salary for a Astronomers in California is $141,660. This typically ranges from $77,940 for entry-level positions to $198,520 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 10.3% higher than the national median of $128,420.

Is California a good place for Astronomerss?

Yes, California is financially attractive for Astronomerss. The average salary of $141,660 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is California a good place to live for Astronomers?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 170 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.01 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Astronomers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California