Official data: IRS · SSA · state revenue codes Tax year 2026 · Updated 2026-07-26
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How Much Do Astronomers Make in California?

Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.

Quick answer

According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Astronomers in California earns $123,540 per year and takes home $88,446 ($7,371/month) — a keep-rate of 71.6%, with 110 employed in the state.

The paycheck, itemizedmedian Astronomers · single filer

Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.

Pay statement · monthly
California
$123,540 / yr
Gross pay$10,295.00
Federal income tax$1,531.96
Social Security$638.29
Medicare$149.28
California state income tax$604.97
You keep$7,370.51
71.6% of gross keptIRS 2026 tables
Questions
How much do Astronomers make in California?

The median Astronomers in California earns $123,540 per year (BLS May 2025), about $59.39 per hour.

What is that after taxes?

$123,540 gross in California keeps $88,446 after federal income tax ($18,383), FICA ($9,451) and state income tax ($7,260) — $7,371 per month, a 71.6% keep-rate.

How does California compare to the national median for Astronomers?

The California median is $5,280 below the national median of $128,820.

Which state pays Astronomers the most?

Maryland has the highest median gross for Astronomers at $132,620 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.

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