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Astronomy Professor Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bucknell

Visiting Assistant Professor Physics & Astronomy (Spring Semester - 2027) Position Type: Full time ... Benefits: Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our ...

The Pennsylvania State University

D. (Assistant Teaching Professor) in Astronomy, Physics, Art, or in a related field. The successful ... Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with the successful candidate ...

The Pennsylvania State University

Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with the successful candidate ... D. in Astronomy or Physics is preferred, a Ph.D. in a related field with strong research experience ...

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$42.5K

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How much do astronomy professor salary jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for astronomy professor salary in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of an astronomy professor?

The average salary of an astronomy professor varies depending on factors such as location, institution type, years of experience, and education level. In the United States, astronomy professors at colleges and universities typically earn between $60,000 and $140,000 per year, with a median salary around $90,000. Salaries at research-intensive universities or for those with many years of experience can be significantly higher, while entry-level positions or those at smaller colleges may offer lower compensation. Additional benefits such as research grants, health insurance, and retirement plans are also common.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an astronomy professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Astronomy Professor, you need an advanced degree in astronomy or a related field, strong research background, and experience in teaching at the college level. Familiarity with scientific computing tools, data analysis software, and telescope operation is typically essential, along with a proven publication record. Excellent communication, mentorship abilities, and a passion for inspiring students are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective teaching, meaningful research contributions, and positive engagement with both students and the broader scientific community.

What opportunities for professional development and research collaboration are available for astronomy professors?

Astronomy Professors often have access to a wide range of professional development and research collaboration opportunities, both within their institutions and through external organizations. These may include attending or presenting at conferences, applying for research grants, collaborating on projects with other universities or observatories, and participating in interdisciplinary research teams. Many institutions also support sabbaticals, workshops, and mentorship programs to help professors stay current in their field and expand their research networks. Actively engaging in these opportunities can lead to career advancement, publication in academic journals, and increased visibility within the scientific community.

What is the difference between Astronomy Professor Salary vs Astrophysics Research Scientist Salary?

AspectAstronomy Professor SalaryAstrophysics Research Scientist Salary
Required CredentialsPhD in Astronomy or related field, academic credentialsPhD in Astrophysics or related field, research experience
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic settingsResearch institutes, government agencies, labs
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, academiaResearch organizations, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonSalary differences, job responsibilities, career path

While both roles require advanced degrees in astronomy or astrophysics, Astronomy Professors primarily work in academic settings, focusing on teaching and research, whereas Astrophysics Research Scientists are often employed in research institutions or government labs, focusing on scientific investigations. Salary differences reflect these roles' responsibilities and work environments, with professors often earning additional income through teaching, and research scientists typically focusing solely on research activities.

Do you need a PhD to be an astronomy professor?

Yes, most astronomy professor positions at universities require a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field. A doctoral degree is essential for research, teaching, and advancing in academic astronomy careers, along with strong research experience and publication record.
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Astronomy Professor Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astronomy Professor Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Assistant Professor - Astrophysics and Planetary Science

Villanova University

Villanova, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.
Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:
20241139F
Position Title:
Assistant Professor - Astrophysics and Planetary Science
Position Type:
Faculty
Location:
Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule:
full-time/9-months
Department:
182-Astronomy and Planetary Science
Position Summary:
The Department of Astrophysics & Planetary Science at Villanova University invites applications for a tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor starting in August 2025. We seek highly qualified candidates in theoretical and/or observational Astrophysics or Planetary Science, who will enhance the research directions and existing expertise in the Department. Applicants who demonstrate an outstanding track record of independent research skills in the fields of Stellar Astrophysics, Planets (both inside and outside the solar system), Space Weather, or Astrobiology are particularly encouraged. In their Research Plan, applicants should indicate how their specific research interests complement and/or expand the general research directions of the Department.
Applicants must be strongly committed to the teacher-scholar model within a Liberal Arts & Sciences environment in a primarily undergraduate institution. The successful candidate must demonstrate a high potential for initiating and maintaining an active and productive research program at Villanova involving undergraduate students, and the ability to attract external funding.
Villanova University is located in a suburban setting 12 miles from downtown Philadelphia, PA. The Department of Astrophysics & Planetary Science offers a Bachelor of Science degree. Current departmental resources include a dedicated high performance computing cluster, guaranteed access to the 1.3 meter Robotically Controlled Telescope located at Kitt Peak National Observatory, onsite research telescopes, and a public observatory. Startup funds will be available to the successful candidate.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
In addition to maintaining an active research program leading to external grant funding, professional conference contributions, and publication in the peer-reviewed literature, our new colleague will teach undergraduate courses in his/her area of expertise, as well as other departmental courses, in a way that fosters connections across the discipline and the Villanova community. Teaching will be 6 contact hours one semester and 9 the other; committee responsibilities consistent with rank.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Astrophysics or related fields.
Preferred Qualifications:
Post-doctoral experience in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or Planetary Science. Undergraduate teaching or public outreach experience.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Special Message to Applicants:
Applicants must apply online at https://jobs.villanova.edu/. Documents which cannot be submitted through this site should be submitted directly to kathleen.demara@villanova.edu
All applications are to include:
• Application letter.
• Current and complete curriculum vitae.
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Research Plan
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts
• Contact information for at least three references who will receive a secure email link to upload confidential
Posting Date:
06/24/2024
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
Competitive
Salary Band:
Job Classification:
faculty

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About Villanova University

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Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, operates within the higher education industry. Its establishment traces back to 1842 by the Augustinians, a Catholic religious order. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Law, serving over 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Guided by its Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, it is committed to community service, and it seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and ethical leaders. The university’s mission is to empower students to ignite change, with a vision for a just and peaceful world.

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Villanova, PA, US

Year founded

1842

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