The average salary for an astronomer in Virginia is around $128,930 per year.
Avg Salary
Astronomers earn an average yearly salary of $128,930.
Wages typically start from $94,710 and go up to $175,560.
77% above national average Updated in 2025
Astronomer earnings by seniority
90th percentile
Top-level astronomer earnings begin at:
$84.40 per hour
$175,560 per year
75th percentile
Senior-level astronomer earnings begin at:
$72.19 per hour
$150,160 per year
50th percentile
Mid-level astronomer earnings begin at:
$61.99 per hour
$128,930 per year
25th percentile
Junior-level astronomer earnings begin at:
$52.97 per hour
$110,170 per year
10th percentile
Starting level astronomer earnings begin at:
$45.53 per hour
$94,710 per year
Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.
Astronomer salary by state
| State Name | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| New Mexico | $75,380 |
| Maryland | $132,620 |
| Arizona | $129,020 |
| Virginia | $128,930 |
| Colorado | $128,160 |
| District of Columbia | $126,060 |
| California | $123,540 |
| Massachusetts | $123,110 |
| Texas | $105,110 |
| Hawaii | $102,000 |
How do astronomer salaries compare to similar careers?
Astronomers earn 15% more than similar careers in Virginia.
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Materials scientist salary | $124K |
| Statistician salary | $115K |
| Atmospheric scientist salary | $84K |
| Chemist salary | $97K |
Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)