Description
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Achievement
- Independence
- Recognition
Work Styles
- Analytical Thinking
- Persistence
- Achievement/Effort
- Attention to Detail
- Initiative
Tasks
- Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
- Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
- Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Getting Information
- Processing Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Development environment software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
Abilities
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
- Writing
Knowledge
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Education and Training
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
This information is currently unavailable.
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $70,332 |
| Median (50%) | $94,794 |
| High (90%) | $139,176 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $94,746 |
| Mid Level | $110,993 |
| Senior Level | $121,772 |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 2,400 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 2,600 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 7%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 7%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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