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How much do astrophysics salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for astrophysics salary in the United States is $19.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary for an astrophysicist?

The average salary for an astrophysicist varies depending on factors such as education, experience, and location. In the United States, entry-level astrophysicists can expect to earn between $55,000 and $75,000 per year, while those with several years of experience or advanced positions can earn $100,000 or more annually. Astrophysicists working in research institutions, universities, or government agencies may have varying pay scales, and those in private industry or specialized roles may see higher compensation.

What are typical career paths and advancement opportunities for astrophysicists?

Astrophysicists often start their careers in research or academic positions, but there are also opportunities in government agencies, observatories, and private industry. As they gain experience, professionals may move into senior research roles, lead research teams, or transition to administrative or policy-making positions. Some astrophysicists pursue teaching at the university level or contribute to science communication and outreach. Career advancement often depends on publishing research, securing grants, and building a strong professional network.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an astrophysicist?

To thrive as an Astrophysicist, you need an advanced degree in physics or astronomy, strong mathematical abilities, and experience with scientific research methods. Familiarity with data analysis software, programming languages like Python or MATLAB, and telescope instrumentation is essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for translating complex findings and collaborating with research teams. These skills enable the accurate analysis and interpretation of astronomical phenomena and contribute to advancements in the field.

What is the difference between Astrophysics Salary vs Astronomer Salary?

AspectAstrophysics SalaryAstronomer Salary
Required CredentialsPhD in Physics or AstronomyPhD in Astronomy or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, space agenciesResearch institutions, observatories, universities
Industry UsagePrimarily in academia, government labs, space agenciesAcademic, research, and observational settings

Both astrophysicists and astronomers typically hold PhDs and work in research environments. Salaries are similar, with variations based on experience, location, and employer. Understanding these similarities helps clarify salary expectations in the field of space sciences.

Are astrophysicists in high demand?

Astrophysicists are in moderate demand, primarily within research institutions, government agencies, and academia. Job growth is steady but limited, and positions often require advanced degrees and specialized skills in data analysis and modeling.

Do astrophysicists make good money?

Astrophysicists typically earn a median salary ranging from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. While some positions in academia or research may offer lower pay, industry roles or positions at government agencies can provide higher salaries and benefits.

What jobs can an astrophysicist get?

Astrophysicists can work in research and development roles at universities, government agencies, or private companies, often conducting experiments, data analysis, and simulations related to space and celestial phenomena. Common positions include research scientist, data analyst, observational astronomer, and science communicator, often requiring strong skills in programming, mathematics, and physics. They may also work in aerospace industries, observatories, or science education, sometimes holding advanced degrees such as a Ph.D.
More about Astrophysics Salary jobs

What cities are hiring for Astrophysics Salary jobs?

Cities with the most Astrophysics Salary job openings:

What states have the most Astrophysics Salary jobs?

States with the most job openings for Astrophysics Salary jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Astrophysics Salary jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Astrophysics Salary jobs are:

Astrophysics Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astrophysics Salary job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,285 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Tenured Faculty Position in Astrophysics

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University
Education Programs Administration • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Rutgers Universityexternal

$87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Rutgers University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

264th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title Tenured Faculty Position in Astrophysics Department SAS - Physics & Astronomy Salary Details Salary Minimum $87,000 Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:
  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discounts programs
 
For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Posting Summary
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rutgers University-New Brunswick invites applications for a faculty member at the level of tenured Associate Professor or above. We are seeking an astrophysicist with outstanding accomplishments and excellent future promise in a research area that either contacts with current faculty research or expands into a new area such as exoplanets, gravitational waves, or astronomical instrumentation.
Currently, Rutgers has a 10% share in the Southern African Large Telescope, and Rutgers astronomers participate in collaborations including Advanced ACTPol, HETDEX, Rubin Observatory LSST, and the Simons Observatory, as well as large projects with the Chandra X-ray Observatory, HST, JWST, MeerKAT, and planning for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Active research covers a broad range of observational and theoretical work in cosmology, dark matter, gravitational lensing, galaxy clusters, galaxy formation and evolution, star formation, astrophysical turbulence, and supernovae and their remnants.
The Physics and Astronomy Department is located in Piscataway, NJ as part of the flagship campus of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. The campus is just 45 minutes from New York City, and the area features several leading astrophysics departments and institutes, facilitating rich knowledge exchange and collaborations. New Jersey is a demographically diverse state, and our student body reflects the state's demographics. We are especially interested in candidates who demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in an academic setting and who can support the Department's diversity and excellence.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in astronomy, physics, or a closely related field, and an outstanding record of research. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an independent research program, attract external funding, teach courses in astrophysics, and mentor Rutgers' diverse undergraduate and graduate students. Applications should include a cover letter, CV, publication list, 3-4 page statement of research accomplishments and plans, 2-3 page statement of teaching and mentoring accomplishments and plans indicating how the candidate would engage a diverse student population. The applicant should arrange to have three recommendation letters submitted by the letter writers through the application portal. All materials should be submitted online via https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/250796. Review of applications will begin in May 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.
Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the search committee, chaired by Prof. Eric Gawiser, at gawiser@physics.rutgers.edu ,or to any of the Rutgers astrophysics faculty.
Position Status Full Time Posting Number 25FA0516 Posting Open Date Posting Close Date
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Applicants must have a Ph.D. or foreign equivalent to a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a closely related field, and an outstanding record of research.
Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred Qualifications Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment Overview Statement
Posting Details
Special Instructions to Applicants Quick Link to Posting https://rutgers-sb.peopleadmin.com/postings/250796 Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Rutgers University - New Brunswick City Piscataway State NJ Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

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