Astronomers

Overview
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Examples

These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.

Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $62K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $79K
Median Salary: $119K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $166K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $189K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.

Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.

Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.

Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.

Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.

Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.

Raise funds for scientific research.

Teach astronomy or astrophysics.

Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.

Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.

Review scientific proposals and research papers.

Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.

Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.

Serve on professional panels and committees.

Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.

Conduct question-and-answer presentations on astronomy topics with public audiences.

Direct the operations of a planetarium.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
The MathWorks MATLAB
Data base management system software
Apache Hadoop
Data base user interface and query software
Structured query language SQL
Development environment software
National Instruments LabVIEW
Graphics or photo imaging software
Avis Fits Viewer
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Object or component oriented development software
R
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Operating system software
Linux
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Laptop computers
Consumer electronics
Planetary radar transmitters
Data Voice or Multimedia Network Equipment or Platforms and Accessories
Radio antennas
Industrial optics
Solar telescope filters
Laboratory and scientific equipment
X ray diffractometers
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
High resolution spectrographs
Office machines and their supplies and accessories
Scientific calculators
Photographic or filming or video equipment
Wide-field mosaic charge-coupled device CCD cameras
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mathematics
100%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Physics
99%
Importance

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Computers and Electronics
91%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language
87%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Engineering and Technology
74%
Importance

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Education and Training
72%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Chemistry
65%
Importance

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Administration and Management
56%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Communications and Media
56%
Importance

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Design
49%
Importance

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Top 10 Skills
Reading Comprehension
85%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Science
85%
Importance

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Critical Thinking
83%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning
80%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening
80%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Mathematics
80%
Importance

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Writing
80%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking
78%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Judgment and Decision Making
75%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Learning Strategies
70%
Importance

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Top 10 Abilities
Deductive Reasoning
83%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
83%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Mathematical Reasoning
83%
Importance

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Oral Expression
83%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Information Ordering
80%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Near Vision
80%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Number Facility
80%
Importance

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Oral Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Written Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Written Expression
80%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
98%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Analyzing Data or Information
97%
Importance

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Getting Information
95%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
92%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Thinking Creatively
91%
Importance

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Processing Information
90%
Importance

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
89%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
87%
Importance

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Training and Teaching Others
85%
Importance

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
81%
Importance

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Detailed Work Activities

Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.

Serve on institutional or departmental committees.

Support the professional development of others.

Advise students on academic or career matters.

Supervise student research or internship work.

Provide technical information or assistance to public.

Direct scientific activities.

Analyze operational or research data.

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Measure environmental characteristics.

Measure radiation levels.

Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.

Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.

Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.

Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use.

Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.

Work Context
Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

Structured versus Unstructured Work

To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Education
Majors
Major
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Physics and Astronomy
Interests
Investigative
100%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Artistic
72%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Realistic
67%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional
39%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Social
39%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Enterprising
24%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Top 10 Work Styles
Analytical Thinking
99%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Initiative
96%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Achievement/Effort
92%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Integrity
92%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Attention to Detail
91%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Persistence
90%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Independence
89%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Innovation
87%
Importance

Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Adaptability/Flexibility
78%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Stress Tolerance
77%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Work Values
Achievement
86%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Independence
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Recognition
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Working Conditions
79%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Relationships
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Support
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.