Astrophysics Jobs to Consider (With Salaries and Duties)

If you’re attempting to figure out which career path to take with your major, the potential career map below can be beneficial.

We’ve put up a list of possible careers for astronomy and astrophysics majors and plotted them out on a career path map. 

The map depicts some of the most sought-after astronomy and astrophysics occupations, as well as some less common options for you to pursue with your degree in astronomy and astrophysics.

Decades of scientific investigation have yielded some of the most thrilling discoveries, including those relating to space exploration. If you appreciate the challenges that mathematics and science provide, an astronomy-related job is likely to be a good fit for you. In this post, we’ll look at ten popular astronomy-related careers, as well as their compensation and responsibilities.

Why Work as an Astrophysicist?

Astronomy provides unique possibilities to study several fascinating topics, such as deep space elements and the ever-present question of extraterrestrial life. Astronomers can conduct research and put their theories to the test. Many people find it enjoyable to present their findings to a broader audience after completing their studies. Furthermore, employment in astronomy pays well enough to support a family.

Best Jobs for Astrophysics Major

As you look for your first job after graduating from college, it can be a stressful time. To assist you, we have discovered that graduates with an astronomy and astrophysics degree have many work prospects. We found the most prevalent occupations for astronomy and astrophysics majors by sifting through millions of job postings and 940 astronomy and astrophysics principal resumes.

Physicist

Physicists and astronomers examine the interactions between different types of matter and energy. The nature of time and the universe’s genesis are topics that theoretical physicists and astronomers can investigate. Sure, physicists use particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers to develop and carry out experiments. The average salary is approximately $59,000 annually, with almost 560 job openings every year. 

Planetarium director

As directors of planetariums or planetary museums, natural-born leaders with an astronomy degree will prosper. Museum directors, sometimes known as curators in this sector, have a passion for science and frequently have strong ties to the aerospace community. 

The planetarium’s mission is often guided by directors who have outstanding scientific careers in which they use their significant industry expertise and strengths as researchers to steer the museum’s aim. They supervise and direct museum exhibitions, and they may collaborate with other planetarium staff to keep the museum’s items safe.

Meteorologist

A meteorologist examines the Earth’s atmosphere to forecast weather conditions, which is an astronomy job. They have received extensive training in the use of mathematical and physical formulas to arrive at their conclusions. 

A meteorologist’s key responsibilities include collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from weather stations worldwide, satellites, and other sensors. Government agencies, the commercial sector, and broadcast firms get the findings and use the knowledge to make educated decisions. The average national salary of a meteorologist is $85,500 per year.

Data Scientist

Computer and data scientists discover and design novel methods for computing technology and identify new applications for old technology. They research and solve complicated computational problems in business, medicine, science, and others. The average salary of data scientists is $71,000 per year, with 66,400 job openings worldwide.

Aeronautical engineer

An aeronautical engineer devised the structure and operating functions of every spaceship and satellite. These engineers are also responsible for the design of the space mission itself, in addition to the ship. Aeronautical engineers are experts in several critical aspects of space exploration. They must comprehend how the design and propulsion of a rocket will interact with the gravitational pull and orbit of the Earth and the environment in space. The average salary of an aeronautical engineer is $99,000, which makes it among the highest-paid jobs. 

Bottom Line

There are several astrophysics job options. With a degree in astrophysics or astronomy, you can quickly look for a job with a good salary package in most popular companies, including NASA.This article has thoroughly discussed the numerous astrophysics jobs that you can pursue. To find out more about which career path to choose, stay connected.