The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) predicts that employment for astronomers will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032, with opportunities expected to be good in academia. It is important to note that astronomy is one of the smallest science fields. Only 200 new jobs are expected to be created in this field between 2022 and 2032, according to the DOL. Although job growth is expected, many job openings result from the normal turnover when workers retire or leave the field for other reasons. Competition for astronomy jobs, particularly among new people entering the profession, will continue to be strong.
Little or no employment growth is expected at government agencies. The DOL says that deep space telescope operations and special off-planet missions may require additional astronomers and physicists over the projections decade. However, federal spending is the primary source of physics- and astronomy-related research funds, especially for basic research. Therefore, budgetary concerns may limit access by these workers to funding for basic research." Some government agencies, particularly NASA, may find their budgets reduced in the coming years, and the number of new positions created for astronomers will likely drop as well. Few new observatories will be constructed, and those currently in existence are not expected to greatly increase the size of their staffs. On the other hand, defense expenditures are expected to increase, and this should provide stronger employment opportunities for astronomers who work on defense-related research projects.
Astronomers will also find opportunities in business and industry. Companies in the aerospace and commercial space exploration fields will need more astronomers to do research to help them develop new equipment and technology.
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