Planetary Astronomy: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Planetary Astronomy is an advanced academic discipline dedicated to understanding the physical and dynamic properties of planets, minor solar system bodies, and their interconnected gravitational systems. This program explores the formation, evolution, and behavior of planetary environments through a rigorous scientific lens, integrating observational data with theoretical modeling to uncover the fundamental principles governing our solar system and beyond.
- Planetary surfaces and interiors: Examination of geological structures, internal composition, and thermal processes that shape planetary bodies, from rocky terrains to molten cores.
- Planetary atmospheres: Study of atmospheric composition, circulation patterns, weather systems, and climate dynamics on planets and moons across the solar system.
- Orbital mechanics: Analysis of motion and trajectories of celestial bodies under gravitational influence, including resonance, perturbations, and stability in multi-body systems.
- Satellites and rings: Investigation into the formation, dynamics, and physical characteristics of natural satellites and planetary ring systems.
- Asteroids and comets: Exploration of the origins, compositions, and orbital behaviors of small solar system bodies, including their role in planetary formation and impact history.
- Solar system evolution and dynamics: Research into the processes that shaped the solar system over billions of years, including accretion, migration, and long-term stability.
- Planetary evolution: Focus on how planets develop and change over time, including differentiation, tectonic activity, and atmospheric loss mechanisms.
- Gravitational physics: Application of Newtonian and relativistic principles to model gravitational interactions within planetary systems and their effects on motion and structure.
- Radiation physics: Study of electromagnetic and particle radiation from stars and planets, including its impact on atmospheres, surfaces, and space environments.
Planetary Astronomy Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Planetary Astronomy Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Planetary Astronomy degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Astronomers and Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 113,910 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Astronomers 19-2011 | $132,170 | $70,730 - $191,880 | 1,560 | $63.54 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1051 | $101,390 | $53,310 - $199,260 | 11,480 | N/A |
Planetary Astronomy Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $78,465 in Florida to $170,190 in Massachusetts—a 117% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, District of Columbia, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 113,910 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Planetary Astronomy by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 12 institutions offering Planetary Astronomy programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Planetary Astronomy is found at Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (26 graduates), Harvard University (23 graduates), University of Arizona (9 graduates), Ohio State University, Main Campus (8 graduates), and Northern Arizona University (NAU) (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 90 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Harvard University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
23 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
8 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Pasadena, California | Private | caltech.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | web.mit.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Planetary Astronomy programs
How much can I earn with a Planetary Astronomy degree?
Salaries for Planetary Astronomy graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Astronomers earn around $132,170. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $170,190 compared to $78,465 in Florida. Approximately 113,910 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Planetary Astronomy programs?
Currently 12 accredited institutions offer Planetary Astronomy degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (26 graduates), Harvard University (23 graduates), and University of Arizona (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Planetary Astronomy growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 25 in 2010 to 90 in 2023-24. This represents a 260% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Planetary Astronomy degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Astronomers, and Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 113,910 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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