How Much Money Astrophysicists Make

[Silverbackman]

As I said in a couple threads before I really want to go into politics later in life. I honestly am satisfied with the money that is said physicist make but if I want to have a successful career in politics many sites and people say I need money.

But I have a strong love for science, especially cosmology. How much do astrophysicists get payed on average? More specifically how much do astrophysicists in cosmology (cosmologists) get payed? Would they make enough for me to be successful in politics later on life?

 

[Poop-Loops]

Nobody does science for the money. You have to choose what you'd rather do.

Or even better, do science find some rich friends who will support you later.

PL

 

[Baggio]

Yeah, If you have a "strong love" for it you wouldn't be asking this question.. Though I find it hard to believe that you need money to get into politics.. If you mean locally then I'd prob say no you don't , however, I'm not an expert on these things.

 

[Silverbackman]

But do you know the average made an year anyways for a astrophysicist?

 

[TARSIER]

They make...

2.50 an hour. Happy?

 

[cronxeh]

As I said in a couple threads before I really want to go into politics later in life. I honestly am satisfied with the money that is said physicist make but if I want to have a successful career in politics many sites and people say I need money.

But I have a strong love for science, especially cosmology. How much do astrophysicists get payed on average? More specifically how much do astrophysicists in cosmology (cosmologists) get payed? Would they make enough for me to be successful in politics later on life?

What makes you think you belong in politics? Or that you'll contribute to the overall optimal balance between the law and what people want or need?

If you just go into a field for glamor and personal gain - what makes you think you belong there? There are plenty of politicians who don't belong where they are today, and because of them there are a lot of people who suffer, and some lose lives.

If you think science is about making money, then somebody seriously misinformed you. If you do get paid $100k a year by some ego rush to the top, you should seriously consider spending most of it away on research - buying equipment, investing in new software, hardware, start up corporations, etc. Like Paul Allen for example.

 

[Silverbackman]

2.50 an hour. Happy?

I noticed that many people on PF have a negative view towards money as if it is an evil thing. Is this a euro socialist forum or what . If I ask a question on money it doesn't mean I'm money crazy, geez.

And don't make me laugh, lol, 2.50 an hour .

What makes you think you belong in politics? Or that you'll contribute to the overall optimal balance between the law and what people want or need?

If you just go into a field for glamor and personal gain - what makes you think you belong there? There are plenty of politicians who don't belong where they are today, and because of them there are a lot of people who suffer, and some lose lives.

If you think science is about making money, then somebody seriously misinformed you. If you do get paid $100k a year by some ego rush to the top, you should seriously consider spending most of it away on research - buying equipment, investing in new software, hardware, start up corporations, etc. Like Paul Allen for example.

What makes you think I'm going into politics for glamor and personal gain? I think it is the best way to help people considering you have actual power. There is especially one thing I can do, make the lives of scientists easier in whatever way;).

$100K is not bad, but I'm curious what is the starting pay?

 

[SpaceTiger]

Part of the reason astrophysicists aren't concerned with how much money they make is that they don't have the time to spend it. To be successful in astrophysics, you have to work at least 60 hours a week for most of your career. If you make a huge discovery or get a lucrative faculty position, you can get away with less than this, but that wouldn't be until at least your late 30's (probably later).

All you need to know is that you'll live comfortably after graduate school (assuming you get a job). If that doesn't satisfy you, then I suggest another career, because you'll be an absolutely miserable astrophysicist if your focus isn't on the work.

 

[TARSIER]

Ok

I noticed that many people on PF have a negative view towards money as if it is an evil thing. Is this a euro socialist forum or what . If I ask a question on money it doesn't mean I'm money crazy, geez.

And don't make me laugh, lol, 2.50 an hour .

1. I am not a Euro Socialist.
2. For the brief periods I have visited this forum, I have never seen anyone have a negative view towards money, people just realize that money isn't everything.
3. Like any "job", since you didn't list a specific job for a specific group, how is anyone supposed to know what the wage is? It's not like there's a job titled "Astrophysics" and pays "$#" for "#" years.
4. You need to grow up. Politics isn't really something that you just kinda jump into after you've been a physicist. It sounds as if you are having a midlife crisis and think, "Hmmm, what can I be that sounds cool? First I'll be an Astrophysicist, then a Politician, then I'll be an investment specialist, pilot, and then I'll retire and write a best-selling novel."

 

[Poop-Loops]

You mean I won't be able to be a physicist turned pro cage fighter turned astronaught? :(

PL

 

[Pengwuino]

But I have a strong love for science, especially cosmology. How much do astrophysicists get payed on average? More specifically how much do astrophysicists in cosmology (cosmologists) get payed? Would they make enough for me to be successful in politics later on life?

Its incompatible. being successful in politics requires you to either be very rich, very well known, or start your political career early in your life. You can't gain a bunch of money (and probably nowhere near enough disposable money to mount a campaign or enough friends to help establish enough money) by working and then going into politics. At the most, probably, if you follow that road... you could get a city council position after retirement... maybe even an assembly position.

 

[Pengwuino]

All you need to know is that you'll live comfortably after graduate school (assuming you get a job). If that doesn't satisfy you, then I suggest another career, because you'll be an absolutely miserable astrophysicist if your focus isn't on the work.

there's hte key. You can live comfortably quite easily but as far as making enough money to run campaigns or truly become rich, its a long shot it seems (unless of course you are decently active and successful in stocks or things that require little time investment).

 

[Poop-Loops]

The thing is, if you want to go into physics, you won't have time for politics. You'll be too busy studying. You'll get out of school by the time you're almost 30. And then you need to find a job and situate yourself before you can explore any other careers. So you'll be "getting into" politics in your mid 30's, with no background. Doesn't look too good for you.

PL

 

[Pengwuino]

The thing is, if you want to go into physics, you won't have time for politics. You'll be too busy studying. You'll get out of school by the time you're almost 30. And then you need to find a job and situate yourself before you can explore any other careers. So you'll be "getting into" politics in your mid 30's, with no background. Doesn't look too good for you.

PL

and no money!

 

[Silverbackman]

I really do want to go into politics, but by the sounds of it physics is not a good profession to go into for it, maybe it is not for me. However I cannot imagine any other job I can work for before going into politics, I really do love cosmology. Any suggestions .

 

[Pengwuino]

I really do want to go into politics, but by the sounds of it physics is not a good profession to go into for it, maybe it is not for me. However I cannot imagine any other job I can work for before going into politics, I really do love cosmology. Any suggestions .

Politics is the job politicians go into to get into politics.

On a more serious note... MAYBE a lawyer... definitely government... but not science, nothing science.

 

[Stephan Hoyer]

Politics is the job politicians go into to get into politics.

Pengwuino is right here. You can do a lot of work in politics even if you're not (yet) an elected official, and if that's your goal it's probably the best way to get there.

Of course, anyone can be a politician (even scientists) but it's not a very easy route or direct route to go through cosmology.

 

[Poop-Loops]

Politics is the job politicians go into to get into politics.

On a more serious note... MAYBE a lawyer... definitely government... but not science, nothing science.

Political science.

Sorry, I had to. :)

PL

 

[Silverbackman]

But is politics really all about money? I mean if you have really good public speaking skills some say that is all you need. I mean how else can a madman like Hitler become Fuhrer of Germany with little to no college education (correct me if I'm wrong). In fact Hitler was nothing more than an unemployed teenager before he went into politics, he somehow had the ability to blind the people in thinking it was all the Jews fault for all the problems, with really only his voice and no money.

Of course then again some say Bush is a representation that only rich people can do good in politics, especially considering how bad Bush is at public speaking.

Cosmology in a way is not only limited to science. It covers science, philosophy, esotericism, and religion. 3 of that list is basically related in many ways to politics indirectly .

 

[Pengwuino]

But is politics really all about money? I mean if you have really good public speaking skills some say that is all you need. I mean how else can a madman like Hitler become Fuhrer of Germany with little to no college education (correct me if I'm wrong). In fact Hitler was nothing more than an unemployed teenager before he went into politics, he somehow had the ability to blind the people in thinking it was all the Jews fault for all the problems, with really only his voice and no money.

Ok I really don't think your situation will compare at all to the rise of Hitler. Unless WW3 breaks out, we lose, and the UK and French blame us for the war and our economy becomes 3rd world with most of the nation in utter devestation, your situation just does not compare to Hitler's rise to power.

This is like the people who bring outlandish theories and say "Well Einstein was a patent clerk when he developed his most famous theories". I'm sorry but Einstein wasnt exactly your typical clerk and hitler was not in a typical political situation.

The major problem here (I assume you live in the US) is that in order to get into a decent political scene, you will have some huge obstacles.

You will need a lot of money nad a lot of connections to get on the ballot and hope you can mount a successful campaign. This CAN be reduced if you find yourself in a district (we're talking city council or maybe assemblymen) where the people in charge are just doing a horrible job. For example, new york and Guillianis capturing of the mayor's office. If people are fed up like they were in New York, it is possible that you won't need a huge campaign (not that Guilliani's campaign wasnt big, i don't know anything about his funding back then). Someone in my city won re-election by only spending a few cents per voter! But of course, these are special situations.

What I noticed people doing around here is that they will put up a few hundred grand of their own money (sometimes by putting their houses on the line) to start financing a campaign. Then you can go from state assembly to state senator to congressmen to senator to presidential candidate. All very hard! You can also get a government position and go up the ranks in the organization. Many presidents and vice presidents were ex-CIA, ex-Secretaries, and important people in various other government agencies as well. Its very hard to just pop out of a lab in your 40's and go 'im going to run for president someday!'. Its possible but the odds are so against you and the cost of trying is so high that its not at all advisable to try.

 

[Silverbackman]

Ok I really don't think your situation will compare at all to the rise of Hitler. Unless WW3 breaks out, we lose, and the UK and French blame us for the war and our economy becomes 3rd world with most of the nation in utter devestation, your situation just does not compare to Hitler's rise to power.

This is like the people who bring outlandish theories and say "Well Einstein was a patent clerk when he developed his most famous theories". I'm sorry but Einstein wasnt exactly your typical clerk and hitler was not in a typical political situation.

The major problem here (I assume you live in the US) is that in order to get into a decent political scene, you will have some huge obstacles.

You will need a lot of money nad a lot of connections to get on the ballot and hope you can mount a successful campaign. This CAN be reduced if you find yourself in a district (we're talking city council or maybe assemblymen) where the people in charge are just doing a horrible job. For example, new york and Guillianis capturing of the mayor's office. If people are fed up like they were in New York, it is possible that you won't need a huge campaign (not that Guilliani's campaign wasnt big, i don't know anything about his funding back then). Someone in my city won re-election by only spending a few cents per voter! But of course, these are special situations.

What I noticed people doing around here is that they will put up a few hundred grand of their own money (sometimes by putting their houses on the line) to start financing a campaign. Then you can go from state assembly to state senator to congressmen to senator to presidential candidate. All very hard! You can also get a government position and go up the ranks in the organization. Many presidents and vice presidents were ex-CIA, ex-Secretaries, and important people in various other government agencies as well. Its very hard to just pop out of a lab in your 40's and go 'im going to run for president someday!'. Its possible but the odds are so against you and the cost of trying is so high that its not at all advisable to try.

You maybe right, but it is not impossible. However yes you are right that politics maybe a hard field to base my future on, although I do want change in this government we have, especially with its narrow views toward science;).

I cannot think of any other job that is for me than a cosmologist. I feel that understanding the universe is the highest state you can be at. People try to reach this highest state through religion (such as hinduism or buddhism), but I think understanding the universe can help reach my "nirvana";).

I really in a sense have to passions: learning and governing. I feel that my philosophy of life is the absolute best for humanity, and I want to spread the word of it. It is a very tolerant idealogy, but still promotes the ideal behavior nature intended. What science intended (and no matter how much people deny it, Nature IS God). But the only way I could ever do this is going into politics.

Perhaps that can help explain what I want from life. I could care less about money, but if money is what I need then there is no way around it. Perhaps I should just go into cosmology and forget about promoting my philosophy. I really wish I could but I would never feel fulfilled if I did give that part of me up. .

 

[Poop-Loops]

How old are you? I suggest reading some books on cosmology and seeing how you like them. I recently read this book:

It was decent. A lot more than your average astronomy book where they just show an artist's renditon of a star, then say "here is a star". This book goes into painful detail with everything. I understood most of it, but I've also been "into" cosmology since I was a kid. However, this book showed me that I should stick to cosmology as a hobbie, not a job. I just didn't find a lot of it too exciting. You should read it. If you like all of cosmology, including the painful details, then go for it. If this book isn't what you thought cosmology was about (really, I have no idea what you know or even what grade you're in. For all I know this post could be a total waste of time), then you can just stick to it as a hobbie like me and go full-on into politics.

PL

 

[H_man]

Didn't you see Star Wars III? Searching for power will turn you to the dark side.

 

[Student_at_CUNY]

Listen if you want to get into politics joing your local democrat/republician young clubs and start volunteering maybe one day they can use you as a puppet and you will be able to be a politician.

 

[Pengwuino]

Listen if you want to get into politics joing your local democrat/republician young clubs and start volunteering maybe one day they can use you as a puppet and you will be able to be a politician.

lol yah!

But of course, odds are stacked against you. You may end up pushing papers and handing out buttons FOOOORRREEEEVVVVEEERRRRR

 

[Student_at_CUNY]

Politics is a dirty job

That is politics; I spent many years working in politics only to never have my shot at public office. Whereas others that I worked with made it to gov’t offices and some even getting seconds chances around while I was not even considered a candidate. This is all at the whims of the party elite who seemed to not like the fact that I was a scientist with a brain. Time and time again smart guys where passed over just so they could hold their power base and keep their puppets in power without being threatened by someone who did not need them anymore.

So I left unhappy and bitter but now going for my doctorate in physics.

 

[Pengwuino]

Shoulda pretended you were a stupid puppet :P then once your president, BOOM, all of a sudden your intelligent.

 

[Poop-Loops]

Most people do the opposite.

PL

 

[Scarborm]

Please do not mention astrophysics and politics within three sentences of each other.

 

[Scarborm]

Okay, I feel bad now. Astrophysicists can start anywhere from $40,000-$50,000. If you like science and want to make money, look at becoming a pathologist. They get paid about $260,000 and you may even find the cure for cancer! Then again, there already is one-- calcium-- but that is neither here nor there. (blasted drug industry)