Astronomers

SOC 19-2011

Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

Five-year wage trends

Median wage levels across states

Focus level

Level III median wage up 13.9% since 2020-21.

2026 weighted lottery impact

Thresholds for Level III & IV

Level III threshold: $151,070

Level IV threshold: $176,613

Most common level in filings: Level II

Latest Level III median

2025-26

$151,070

Level I$83,387

Level II$119,246

Level III$151,070

Level IV$176,613

Top metros by Level III wages

Latest year median for this occupation

Rank	Metro Area	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
1	Salinas, CA, CA	$124,800	$147,056	$169,291	$191,547
2	Fresno, CA, CA	$120,952	$144,456	$167,939	$191,443
3	Modesto, CA, CA	$109,034	$134,160	$159,307	$184,434
4	Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, CA	$107,931	$133,411	$158,891	$184,371
5	San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, CA	$106,350	$132,101	$157,830	$183,581
6	Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, MA	$82,930	$119,725	$156,499	$193,294
7	Barnstable Town, MA, MA	$82,930	$119,725	$156,499	$193,294
8	Pittsfield, MA, MA	$82,930	$119,725	$156,499	$193,294
9	Providence-Warwick, RI-MA, MA	$82,930	$119,725	$156,499	$193,294
10	Springfield, MA, MA	$82,930	$119,725	$156,499	$193,294

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