Peter
What is the job outlook like for astronomers? Astrophysicists?
The University I plan on attending this fall has an Astronomy and Astrophysics program. I've always been interested in space, and like math, so was considering majoring in it. The only thing putting me off from deciding on this major is that I'm concerned about job prospects. I know a lot of pure science fields don't have the best prospects, or pay. #science #mathematics #physics #astronomy #astrophysics
3 answers
Michael DePietro
Michael’s Answer
I will defer to others regarding the specific job prospects for astronomers, but will offer a suggestion. You may want to consider double majoring in a related and more employable field or taking you undergraduate degree in a field that is related and more employable but doing graduate work in the more specific astrophysics. For example a major in physics and computer science would prepare you for work in the computer field ( Very employable) but also prepares you for graduate study in astrophysics. If you speak with prospective college advisors you can design a program that provides multiple options. The actual name of the degree counts less than the specific course work when you major in a science, as ultimately most positions require an advanced degree ( PHD) to advance within the field.
Vernon Turner
Vernon’s Answer
Prepare yourself to go all the way to Ph.D. Get into internships wherever possible. Move to a place where major astronomical activities and facilities exist and keep trying to get on board.
NASA is your best bet for humans visiting other planets. They will need all the astrophysics they can get.
Commit to being excellent, careful, precise and imaginative EVERY DAY.
Nattakarn Alkire
Nattakarn’s Answer
Please see the link below for more details about the Physicists and Astronomers career.
Physicists and Astronomers:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/physicists-and-astronomers.htm
What Physicists and Astronomers Do
Physicists and astronomers
Physicists plan and conduct scientific experiments and studies to test theories and to discover properties of matter and energy.
Physicists and astronomers study the ways in which various forms of matter and energy interact. Theoretical physicists and astronomers may study the nature of time or the origin of the universe. Some physicists design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers.
Duties
Physicists and astronomers typically do the following:
Develop scientific theories and models that attempt to explain the properties of the natural world, such as the force of gravity or the formation of sub-atomic particles
Plan and conduct scientific experiments and studies to test theories and discover properties of matter and energy
Write proposals and apply for funding to conduct research
Do complex mathematical calculations to analyze physical and astronomical data, such as data that may indicate the existence of planets in distant solar systems or new properties of materials
Design new scientific equipment, such as telescopes and lasers
Develop computer software to analyze and model data
Write scientific papers that may be published in scholarly journals
Present research findings at scientific conferences and lectures
Physicists explore the fundamental properties and laws that govern space, time, energy, and matter. Some physicists study theoretical areas, such as the fundamental properties of atoms and molecules and the evolution of the universe. Others design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers. Many apply their knowledge of physics to practical objectives, such as developing advanced materials and medical equipment.
Astronomers study planets, stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies. They use ground-based equipment, such as radio and optical telescopes, and space-based equipment, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. Some astronomers study distant stars, galaxies, and phenomena such as neutron stars and black holes, and others monitor space debris that could interfere with satellite operations.
Many physicists and astronomers work in basic research with the aim of increasing scientific knowledge. These researchers may attempt to develop theories that better explain what gravity is or how the universe works or was formed. Other physicists and astronomers work in applied research. They use the knowledge gained from basic research to effect new developments in areas such as energy storage, electronics, communications, navigation, and medical technology.
Astronomers and physicists typically work on research teams together with engineers, technicians, and other scientists. Some senior astronomers and physicists may be responsible for assigning tasks to other team members and monitoring their progress. They may also be responsible for finding funding for their projects and therefore may need to write applications for research funding.
Experimental physicists develop new equipment or sensors to study properties of matter, create theories, and test them through experiments. Theoretical and computational physicists develop new theories that can predict properties of materials, or describe unexplained experimental results. Although all of physics involves the same fundamental principles, physicists generally specialize in one of many subfields. The following are examples of types of physicists:
Astrophysicists study the physics of the universe. “Astrophysics” is a term that is often used interchangeably with “astronomy.”
Work Environment
Physicists and astronomers spend much of their time working in offices, but they also conduct research in laboratories and observatories. Most physicists and astronomers work full time.
How to Become a Physicist or Astronomer
Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia. However, physicist jobs in the federal government typically require a bachelor’s degree in physics. After receiving a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy, many researchers seeking careers in academia begin in temporary postdoctoral research positions.
Pay
The median annual wage for astronomers was $114,590 in May 2019.
The median annual wage for physicists was $122,850 in May 2019.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.