Entry-level Astronomer salary in Washington, DC
Based on 10 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level I in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Greenbelt, College Park, Laurel.
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $78,148 |
| 25th | $80,075 |
| 50th (median) | $86,875 |
| 75th | $100,646 |
| 90th | $102,494 |
Cost of living
Washington's median entry-level Astronomer salary of $86,875 is worth about $79,800 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Washington = 108.9).
Compared with all workers here
All Astronomers in the Washington, DC area earned a median of $156,750 in May 2025 (520 employed). The H-1B median here is $86,875, 45% lower.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
Employers filing at this level
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland College Park | too few | 5 |
| American University | too few | 4 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $86,875 | 10 |
| Mid-level · Level II | – | 0 |
| Senior · Level III | – | 0 |
| Expert · Level IV | – | 0 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.
Minimum H-1B salary by level
| Wage level | Prevailing wage (most common) | Median offered salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $63,232 | $86,875 | 10 |
The prevailing wage is the minimum an employer must pay for this job and area. Amounts vary by county within a metro and by wage source.