Astronomers

Employers

There are about 2,400 astronomers employed in the United States. About 20 percent work for colleges, universities, and professional schools, while 21 percent work for the federal government, with the majority employed by the U.S. Department of Defense (especially at the U.S Naval Observatory and the Naval Research Laboratory). Others work for NASA, and the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Health and Human Services, and Energy.

Astronomers more frequently find jobs as faculty members at colleges and universities or are affiliated with those institutions through observatories and laboratories. Other astronomers work in planetariums, in science museums, or in other public service positions involved in presenting astronomy to the general public; others teach physics or earth sciences in secondary schools or are science journalists and writers.

In the private sector, astronomers are hired by consulting firms that supply astronomical talent to the government for specific tasks. In addition, a number of companies in the aerospace industry hire astronomers to work in related areas in order to use their background and talents in instrumentation, remote sensing, spectral observations, and computer applications.

Starting Out

A chief method of entry for astronomers with a doctorate is to register with the college's career services office, which can provide help with finding job opportunities. Astronomers can also apply directly to universities, colleges, planetariums, government agencies, aerospace industry manufacturers, and others who hire astronomers. Many positions are advertised in professional and scientific journals devoted to astronomy and astrophysics.

Graduates with bachelor's or master's degrees can normally obtain semiprofessional positions in observatories, planetariums, or some of the larger colleges and universities offering training in astronomy. Their work assignments might be as research assistants, optical workers, observers, or technical assistants. Those employed by colleges or universities might well begin as instructors. Federal government positions in astronomy are usually earned on the basis of competitive examinations. Jobs with some municipal organizations employing astronomers are often based on competitive examinations. The examinations are usually open to those with bachelor's degrees.

NASA offers internships for students with some postsecondary training. To find out more about NASA internships and other opportunities, explore its Web site, https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs.