ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Planetary Science Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Bowie, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Laurel, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

College Park, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Washington, DC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Howard University

Student Research Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The NOAA Center in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at Howard University invite applications ... planetary boundary layer measurements and analysis. The positions require assisting research ...

Howard University

Student Research Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The NOAA Center in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology at Howard University invite applications ... planetary boundary layer measurements and analysis. The positions require assisting research ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPlanetary Science JobsPlanetary Science Jobs in Washington, DC

Planetary Science information

See Washington, DC salary details

$27.7K

$54.8K

$89.5K

How much do planetary science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for planetary science in Washington, DC is $54,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $58,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is planetary science?

A Planetary Science job involves studying planets, moons, asteroids, and other celestial bodies to understand their composition, atmospheres, geology, and potential for life. Scientists in this field use data from telescopes, spacecraft, and lab experiments to analyze planetary systems. Careers in planetary science can be in academia, government agencies like NASA, or private space industries, focusing on research, exploration, and mission planning.

What are some typical projects or research areas that planetary scientists work on?

Planetary scientists commonly work on projects involving the study of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets both within our solar system and beyond. Their work may include analyzing data from space missions, simulating planetary environments, studying surface composition and atmospheric conditions, or investigating planetary formation and evolution. These projects often require close collaboration with astronomers, geologists, physicists, and engineers. Depending on your specific focus, you may spend your days in a lab, working with computer models, or participating in field studies to analog sites on Earth, offering a dynamic and varied work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the planetary science position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Planetary Science, you need a strong background in physics, geology, astronomy, and data analysis, often supported by an advanced degree in a related scientific field. Familiarity with remote sensing technologies, laboratory instrumentation, programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), and experience with scientific data processing tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective written and verbal communication, and an aptitude for teamwork are essential soft skills. These competencies enable planetary scientists to conduct rigorous research, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and contribute valuable insights to our understanding of planetary bodies.

Are planetary scientists in demand?

Planetary scientists are in moderate demand, primarily in research institutions, government agencies, and space agencies like NASA and ESA. Employment opportunities depend on research funding, project availability, and advanced skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and planetary geology.

What can you do with a degree in planetary science?

A degree in planetary science prepares individuals for careers in research, space agencies, and academia, focusing on planetary systems, celestial bodies, and space exploration. Graduates often work as planetary scientists, research analysts, or mission planners, utilizing skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and scientific instrumentation. Advanced positions may require further education or specialized training in astrophysics or engineering.

What are popular job titles related to Planetary Science jobs in Washington, DC?

For Planetary Science jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Planetary Science jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Planetary Science jobs in Washington, DC are:

Planetary Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Planetary Science job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,807 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Astronomy Tutor

Varsity Tutors

Bowie, MD • Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Varsity Tutors rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 24 rated private schools and tutoring

Job description

About the Job
The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Astronomy tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the flexibility to set your own schedule, earn competitive rates, and make a real impact on students' academic success and understanding. All from the comfort of your home.
Why Join Our Platform?
  • Earn incrementally higher pay for each session with the same student, reaching up to $40/hour.
  • Get paid up to twice per week, ensuring fast and reliable compensation for the tutoring sessions you conduct and invoice.
  • Set your own hours and tutor as much as you'd like.
  • Tutor remotely using our purpose-built Live Learning Platform. No commuting required.
  • Get matched with students best-suited to your teaching style and expertise.
  • Our AI-powered Tutor Copilot enhances your sessions with real-time instructional support, lesson generation, and engagement features, helping you save prep time and focus on impactful teaching.
  • We handle the logistics—you just invoice for your tutoring sessions, and we take care of payments.

What We Look For In a Astronomy Tutor
  • Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the expanding universe. Ability to explain Kepler laws, Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams, nuclear fusion in stars, and Hubble law while preparing students for college-level astrophysics and scientific literacy assessments.
  • Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at breaking down stellar lifecycle stages, distance measurement techniques including parallax and standard candles, and spectral classification. Guides students through interpreting HR diagrams, calculating orbital periods, analyzing light curves, and understanding redshift data. Emphasizes quantitative reasoning about cosmic scales and connects astronomy to physics, mathematics, and the history of scientific discovery.
  • Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with introductory astronomy curricula and common challenges such as comprehending astronomical distances, distinguishing apparent from absolute magnitude, and understanding spacetime concepts. Adapts instruction using planetarium software, telescope observation guides, and NASA data sets to support students from general education astronomy through introductory astrophysics courses.
  • Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple approaches, and adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs and styles.
  • Strong communication skills and a friendly, engaging teaching style.
  • Ability to adapt to different learning styles and student needs.

Ways To Connect With Students
  • 1-on-1 Online Tutoring - Provide personalized instruction to individual students.
  • Instant Tutoring - Accept on-demand tutoring requests whenever you're available.

About Varsity Tutors And 1-on-1 Online Tutoring
Our mission is to transform the way people learn by leveraging advanced technology, AI, and the latest in learning science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students receive customized instruction that helps them achieve their learning goals. Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a passion for learning.
Please note: Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia or Puerto Rico.

What Varsity Tutors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply