How much does a cosmologist make?

Answer 1

National Estimates

1. According to a May 2008 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean hourly wage of an astronomer was $47.95, and the mean annual wage was $99,730.Annual wage ranged from $45,330 to $156,720 annually.

Industries with Highest Level of Employment

2. According to a May 2008 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mostastronomers work within colleges, universities, and professional schools with an estimated 500 astronomers earning a mean wage of $79,160. The second-highest industry employer of astronomers is the federal executive branch with 420 employees earning a mean wage of $124,810. The third highest industry employer of astronomers is scientific research and development services with 320 employees earning a mean wage of $102,850.

Top-Paying Industries

3. According to a May 2008 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, astronomers receive the highest pay from the federal executive ranch, with a national mean wage of $124,810. The second-highest paying industry is in scientific research and development services. The third-highest paying industry is in colleges, universities and professional schools.

States with Highest Employment Concentration

4. According to a May 2008 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maryland has the highest concentration of astronomers with 240 employed who earn about $126,420 annually. The second highest concentration is in Texas with 250 astronomers employed earning $87,980. Data is based upon the concentration of employees and since Maryland is a smaller state than Texas, there exists a higher density of astronomers.

Top-Paying States

5. According to a May 2008 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top paying state for astronomers is Maryland, where astronomers earn an annual mean wage of $126,420. Virginia is the second highest paying state with an annual mean wage of $104,840. Colorado comes third with an annual mean wage of $96,260. Texas comes fourth with an annual mean wage of $87,980.

Growth

6. According to the Occupational Information Network, the national employment as of 2006 was 2,000 employees. But until 2016, projections show that will be no need for new cosmologists.

Source: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091209230540AA0bJxv