Average Astronomers Salary in Maryland
Astronomers in Maryland command an impressive average annual salary of $153,000, significantly surpassing the national average of $128,420. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the state's robust demand for specialized scientific talent and its proximity to key research institutions and government agencies.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $153,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 570 Astronomers, Maryland demonstrates a notable concentration of talent. The Location Quotient of 20.54 indicates a significantly higher presence of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and established job market for astronomical research and development within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Astronomers in Maryland earns+19.1%above the national average.
$73.6
$2,942
$12,750
Astronomers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the demand for skilled Astronomers in Maryland has seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in scientific research and space exploration investment. This sustained interest likely translates to a steady increase in average salaries, reflecting the evolving value of expertise in this specialized field.
Astronomers Salary Distribution in Maryland
Salary progression for Astronomers in Maryland typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior roles and lead researchers can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on specialized knowledge and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $79,630 | $38.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $114,750 | $55.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $157,980 | $76 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $191,250 | $91.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Astronomers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$153,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$122,302
Adjusted for COL (125.1)
The nominal average salary of $153,000 in Maryland presents a complex picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 125.1. While the salary is substantially higher than the national average, the cost of living is also approximately 25% above the national norm, meaning the purchasing power of an Astronomer's salary in Maryland may not be as significantly amplified as the raw numbers suggest.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
0.208
Per 1K Jobs
20.54
Location Quotient
Maryland has 20.5x the national concentration of Astronomers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Maryland's exceptionally high Location Quotient of 20.54 for Astronomers signifies a highly concentrated and specialized job market. This indicates that the state is a national hub for this profession, attracting and retaining a disproportionately large number of astronomical experts relative to its overall workforce size, suggesting a competitive yet abundant environment for those in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Astronomers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Astronomers Salary | $152,320↓ 0% | 17 mi |
Comparing salaries near Maryland
Hiring Astronomerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Astronomers make in Maryland?
The median annual salary for a Astronomers in Maryland is $153,000. This typically ranges from $79,630 for entry-level positions to $191,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Maryland is 19.1% higher than the national median of $128,420.
Is Maryland a lucrative place for Astronomers?
Yes, Maryland is a highly lucrative place for Astronomers.The average salary of $153,000 is significantly above the national average, and the high concentration of jobs indicates strong demand and competitive compensation within the state.
Is Maryland a good place to live for Astronomers?
The Cost of Living Index in Maryland is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Maryland?
Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($152,320) and others.
How does Maryland's Astronomer salary compare to the national average?
Maryland Astronomers earn an average of $153,000 annually, which is approximately $24,600 more than the national average of $128,420, indicating a substantial regional advantage.
What is the job market like for Astronomers in Maryland?
The job market is robust, evidenced by a high Location Quotient of 20.54, suggesting a strong concentration of astronomical professionals and related opportunities within the state.
How does the cost of living affect an Astronomer's salary in Maryland?
With a Cost of Living Index of 125.1, Maryland is more expensive than the national average. While the high salary helps, the increased cost of living should be factored into the net disposable income.
Are there many Astronomer jobs in Maryland relative to the workforce?
Yes, with 0.208 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 20.54, Maryland has a significantly higher concentration of Astronomer positions than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Maryland area with a job density of 0.208 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Astronomers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Maryland
- All Occupations Salary in Maryland
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Maryland
- Management Occupations Salary in Maryland
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Maryland
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Maryland
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Maryland
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Maryland
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Maryland
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Maryland
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Maryland
- Browse All Jobs in Maryland →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Astronomers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Maryland