What they do
Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
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Also called: |
Astronomer, Astrophysicist, Data Scientist, Research Scientist, Scientist
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Wages
Wage rates not available for Vermont but may be for the nation and other states at CareerOneStop |
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Industries of Employment
United States - 2020 |
Industry | Percent of total |
- Educational services; state, local, and private
| 37% |
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
| 35% |
- Federal government, excluding postal service
| 24% |
More at BLS |
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Knowledge
People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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- Physics
Knowledge 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.
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- Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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- Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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More at O*NET |
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Skills
People in this career often have these skills: |
- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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- Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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- Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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More at O*NET |
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Interests
People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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- Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
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- Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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What are your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler |
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Work Styles
People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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- Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
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- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
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- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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More at O*NET |
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Tasks
On the job, you would: |
- Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
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- Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
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- Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
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- Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
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- Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
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More at O*NET |
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Related Occupations
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Career Video
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Projected Employment
Projected employment not available for Vermont but may be for the nation and other states at CareerOneStop |
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Education and Experience:
- Typical education needed for entry
Doctoral or professional degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
None
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Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
- Physical activity is Seldom Important
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- Level of activity is Very Low
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Low | | High |
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Compare Occupations at O*NET |
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Job Zone
Extensive Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(8.0 and above) - A typical worker will require
over 4 years up to and including 10 years or more
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
How much education do most people in this career have? |
Education level | | Percent of U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree or post-MA certificate | | 91% |
Master's degree or post-BA certificate | | 5% |
Bachelor's degree | | 5% |
Associate's degree | | 0% |
Certificate or some college, no degree | | 0% |
High school diploma or equivalent | | 0% |
Less than high school diploma | | 0% |
More at O*NET |
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Abilities
People in this career often have talent in: |
- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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- Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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- Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
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- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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- Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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More at O*NET |
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Work Activities
In general, what you might do: |
- Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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- Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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- Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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- Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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More at O*NET |
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Detailed Work Activities
What you might do in a day: |
- Advise students on academic or career matters.
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- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
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- Support the professional development of others.
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- Analyze operational or research data.
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- Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
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More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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