Career overview
Astronomers
O*NET-SOC 19-2011.00
Median pay / yr$132,170
OutlookBelow Average
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
What it takes
The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Astronomers.
Skills employers look for
- Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- ScienceUsing scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- MathematicsUsing mathematics to solve problems.
- WritingCommunicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Knowledge areas
- PhysicsKnowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
- MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Computers and ElectronicsKnowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
- Education and TrainingKnowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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