Astronomy + astrophysics?

[Ted Workb]

Relaistically how many jobs are there in this field? I'm interested and want to know whether I should keep it as a hobby or try pursuing it as a career?

[Morningfoxnorth]

I haven't counted, but I doubt there are more than 20,000 jobs in the US in those fields, with about 500 or 1000 openings per year. Typically, less than 10% of applicants are accepted for advanced degrees. Just take a look at how few jobs there are on this list.

The American Astronomical Society has fewer than 8000 members.

[eri]

Well, there's not a LOT of jobs, but most people are able to find one that they're happy with. Astronomers work for colleges and universities, national labs (like NOAO, NSO, NRAO, LLNL, LANL), and space agencies (NASA, ESA).

But the thing is, there really aren't any jobs if you don't have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics. You really should just get a PhD in physics and specialize in astrophysics, because they assume a physics PhD can do astronomy but not that an astronomy PhD can do physics, so there's more jobs available. Most physics departments have astronomy research groups - that's what I'm doing.

It pays pretty well, but it's not going to make you rich - it's not worth it if you don't really have a passion for it. 60k - 120k a year, that range. But lots of travel opportunities - I'm still in grad school and currently on my second trip out of the country this year, with three more planned - all on the dept's budget.

[RationalThinker]

Only if you REALLY enjoy the field.
Jobs are scarce, hours long and do not pay well

[Jared Z]

It takes a lot of schooling. You'll have to get a PhD if you want to really succeed. I thought I was going to go that route, but after getting my Bachelor's in Astrophysics I decided it was not for me, career-wise.

You'll need a very good grasp of high-level calculus and physics if you want to make it in grad school. A good handle on abstract thinking helps too.

There are jobs, but know that a lot of them will involve some kind of teaching (professorships, etc). But, the pay is generally pretty nice. It just hinges on your ability to compete in a very competetive field of study. My college advisor once told me that the odds of becoming a professional Astrophysicist are like the odds of becoming a NFL quaterback - it's acheivable, but a very difficult road.

Good luck.

[thehumanbeagle]

Honestly, if you love it, stay at it. Most cosmologists are amateur. The good paying jobs are at universities as a professor or with NASA or the ESA. Otherwise, you'll work paycheck to paycheck, contract to contract (usually 5 years and you have to move again) but be doing what you love. Hard choice in an economy driven environment. But, there are some good paying jobs out there. You just have to know your stuff.