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Boston Career Explorer

Life, Physical, and Social Science

Astronomers

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

Also called: Astronomer, Astronomy Outreach Coordinator, Astrophysicist, Research Astrophysicist

Median pay in Greater Boston
Not published
Jobs in Greater Boston
180
Massachusetts 2024–2034
Not published
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Doctoral or professional degree

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
Not publishedNot publishedNot publishedNot publishedNot published

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
  • Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
  • Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
  • Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
  • Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
  • Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Higher exposure79 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 94
  • Language-model AIOE 76
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 68

Observed AI use today: Substantial (Anthropic Economic Index)

Astronomers have higher AI exposure, and substantial AI use has been observed already. AI tools can help with analyzing large sets of data and drafting papers. Using telescopes and instruments, working with colleagues, and mentoring students rely on people.

Likely to change

  • Analyzing research data with computers
  • Drafting papers for scientific journals

Still relies on people

  • Collaborating with other researchers
  • Mentoring graduate students and junior colleagues

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

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Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

6 programs near Boston (plus 9 graduate)

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