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First, some facts. Of the Astrophysics graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 54 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 54%, Astrophysics graduates have a much lower likelihood (-13%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 53% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Astrophysics graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 28% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONTechnologist I American Red Cross, Central Ohio Feb 2012 - Apr 2017 Supervisor  The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center May 2017 - Aug 2023 Sr Chemist  American Electric Power Aug 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMechanical EngineeringThe Ohio State University 2018 - 2025 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When you look at the career paths of people who have graduated with a degree in Astrophysics, you will find a pretty mixed bag. Many individuals take on jobs that don’t seem to connect at all with the intense studies of stars and galaxies. A lot of the roles are in education, engineering, research, and sometimes even in unrelated fields like administrative work or customer service. For those interested in careers where their astrophysics education is directly applicable, research positions (like Graduate Researchers or Postdoctoral Researchers) and jobs in space-related industries (like working at NASA or aerospace companies) seem to be some of the most relevant options. This could be because research jobs allow the application of specific skills learned during their studies, like data analysis or problem-solving.
Interestingly, many of the positions listed are either tangentially related to astrophysics or completely unrelated. For example, jobs like working as a barista, a warehouse worker, or in various roles at customer service-oriented companies do not leverage any skills that stem from studying astrophysics. On the flip side, you’ll find that roles such as a scientist at a research lab or an associate engineer at a space firm are much more aligned with what one would expect from someone who studied astrophysics, as these jobs require deep knowledge and application of scientific principles. Overall, while some graduates manage to find awesome opportunities that use their astrophysics knowledge directly, many find themselves in jobs that might not tap into their training, which can be a bit of a disappointment for those passionate about the field.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Astrophysics graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Astrophysics illustrates a diverse range of paths, with some finding success in relevant fields and others straying quite far from the discipline. As we can see from the various profiles listed, graduates often start with entry-level positions that are either closely related to their field of study or sometimes completely unrelated. For example, several individuals began their careers in roles like research assistant or technician, which provide valuable experience in scientific environments. However, there are notable exceptions, such as graduates who took roles in retail or even as a barista early in their careers, demonstrating that not everyone finds a position directly linked to their astrophysics education right away.
As the years progress, many Astrophysics graduates begin to find their footing in their careers, with some moving into roles that are indeed pertinent to their studies, such as researchers for space agencies or engineers working on aerospace projects. For instance, graduates from reputable institutions like Caltech and UC Berkeley have secured roles at NASA and other prestigious organizations, which indicates that a few have successfully navigated their way into high-level positions that leverage their educational background. However, a significant number of alumni have drifted into unrelated fields. Some have transitioned into roles in education, healthcare, or even management, raising questions about how well their degrees are being utilized. In fact, a pattern emerges showing that many individuals end up in roles where the direct application of astrophysics knowledge is limited, despite their potentially strong foundations in critical thinking and analytical skills.
Overall, while there are certainly bright spots of success, such as graduates working at leading research institutions or in aerospace engineering, a sizeable number have experienced career paths that don't directly tie back to their astrophysics studies. This suggests that while a degree in Astrophysics could open up exciting opportunities, it does not always guarantee a career within the field. For high school students interested in pursuing astrophysics, it's vital to maintain a flexible mindset about career paths while being aware that entering the workforce might initially lead them down unexpected routes.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Astrophysics is definitely on the challenging side, especially compared to a lot of other degrees. You’ll be diving into a ton of advanced mathematics and physics concepts that can really stretch your brain, like quantum mechanics and relativity. While some students find the material super exciting, it can also be quite tough and demanding, with a heavy load of coursework and problem-solving. If you love science and math and are ready to put in the effort, it can be really rewarding, but be prepared for long hours in the lab and studying hard for exams! So, if you’re thinking about it, just know that it’s not a walk in the park, but if you’re passionate about the universe, it might just be worth it.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Astrophysics.
Looking at these LinkedIn profiles, it seems like there's a mixed bag when it comes to job earnings among these astrophysics graduates. Some, like those who graduated from prestigious schools such as UC Berkeley and Yale, have ended up in solid positions at significant organizations like NASA or have transitioned to high-tech roles that typically come with decent paychecks. Conversely, there are also individuals working in roles like teaching or in retail positions, which generally don't pay as well, particularly for someone with a degree in astrophysics. For example, the graduate from University of Montana has been an office clerk at Costco for several years, which likely isn't bringing in the big bucks.
Overall, while many of these graduates have found jobs that might pay fairly well (especially those leaning towards engineering or research roles), there are definitely some who are still on the lower end of the pay scale or have yet to find their footing in a lucrative position. It’s a good reminder that even with an impressive degree, the path to financial success can vary widely depending on the field and opportunities available post-graduation.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Astrophysics. This may or may not be useful:
