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Planetary Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mclaurin Aerospace

GIS Developer

Houston, TX · On-site

Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience * 5+ years of work experience

Mclaurin Aerospace

GIS Developer

Houston, TX · On-site +1

Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience * 5+ years of work experience

Mclaurin Aerospace

GIS Developer

Houston, TX · On-site

Masters in geoscience, lunar science, planetary science, image science, GIS, remote sensing, computational science or relevant science fields with applicable experience * 5+ years of work experience

Caltech

Staff Scientist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

PhD in astronomy, planetary science or a related discipline and two years of post-PhD experience. * Strong oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to work well with others on a ...

Interlune

Materials Scientist or Engineer

Seattle, WA

$110K - $150K/yr

Contribute to materials selection, qualification, and the planetary science and engineering support for dust mitigation solution design, testing, and analysis for all exposed hardware. * Develop ...

Caltech

Staff Scientist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$79K - $105K/yr

PhD in Planetary Science, Astronomy, or a related field, and at least 2 years of post-PhD experience * Experience analyzing telescope images and extracted data for astronomical and/or planetary ...

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$24.5K

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How much do planetary science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for planetary science in the United States is $48,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 geology, atmospheres, and celestial bodies. Graduates often work as planetary scientists, research analysts, or mission specialists, utilizing skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and scientific instrumentation. Advanced positions may require further education or specialized training in related fields.

Does NASA hire astrochemists?

NASA employs astrochemists as part of its planetary science and astrophysics research teams. These scientists study chemical processes in space environments and often hold advanced degrees in chemistry, astronomy, or related fields, with experience in laboratory analysis and data interpretation. Job opportunities typically require a strong background in scientific research and familiarity with space missions or telescopic data analysis.

What's the highest paying astronomy job?

In astronomy, senior research scientists, astrophysicists, and astronomer roles at government agencies or research institutions tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, strong research skills, and experience with data analysis tools and telescopes.

What is the salary of a Planetary Scientist?

The average salary of a planetary scientist in the United States ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $60,000, while senior roles or those with advanced degrees and research experience can earn higher salaries. Many planetary scientists work for government agencies, research institutions, or universities, often requiring a Ph.D. in planetary science, astronomy, or a related field.

What is a Planetary Science job?

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.

More about Planetary Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Planetary Science jobs? Cities with the most Planetary Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Planetary Science jobs? The most popular types of Planetary Science jobs are:
What states have the most Planetary Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Planetary Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Planetary Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Planetary Science jobs are:
Planetary Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Planetary Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Assistant Professor-LowTemp Geochemistry-Earth and Planetary Sciences

Assistant Professor-LowTemp Geochemistry-Earth and Planetary Sciences

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Other

Posted 24 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of Earth and PlanetarySciences (EPS) at the University of New Mexico invites applications for atenure-track Assistant Professor position in Low-Temperature Geochemistry tobegin August 10, 2026.   Applicants musthave a PhD in Geochemistry, Geoscience, or a related field by date ofappointment. For best consideration, all application materials must be receivedby December 22, 2025.

The Department of Earth and PlanetarySciences has a full-time tenured/tenure track faculty of 11 and offersundergraduate degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences and EnvironmentalScience, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences. EPS facilitiesinclude state-of-the-art analytical laboratories for water and sedimentchemistry, imaging, stable and radiogenic isotopes, access to high-performancecomputing facilities, and field sites that span New Mexico's diverse landscapes.

The new facultymember will teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to geochemistryand undergraduate courses in Earth and environmental sciences. They areexpected to have an active research program and supervise graduate students.The position offers opportunities to collaborate with researchers across UNMand at nearby national laboratories, as well as state and federal agencies.

To apply, please access the University of New Mexico's onlineapplication system at https://www.unm.edu/jobs and applyfor posting Requisition #34200. Onlyapplications submitted through this website can be considered.

UNM is the premier research university in New Mexico and is a Carnegie Highest Research Activity Institution. Our campus is located in the heart of Albuquerque, which has cultural, outdoor recreational opportunities for everyone. Learn more about our city, our welcoming campus, and research opportunities at http://advance.unm.edu/why-abq/ and https://advance.unm.edu/why-unm/.  For more information regarding the College of Arts and Science's ambitious hiring plan, including a list of departments that are hiring faculty members with shared interests, please see this page.

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