Astronauts begin their salaries in accordance with the U.S. Government pay scale. Astronauts enter the field at a minimum classification of GS-11, which in 2015 paid a minimum of $51,298, according to the Office of Personnel Management General Schedule. As they gain experience, astronauts may advance up the classification chart to peak at GS-14, which pays between $86,399 and $112,319. Of course, there are opportunities outside NASA (although these don't involve space flight) that may pay higher salaries. Astronauts who go to work in the private sector can often find positions with universities or private space laboratories that pay six-figure salaries.
Earnings - Outlook - Resources & Associations and more
Vault partners with thousands of colleges, universities and academic institutions to provide students with FREE access to our premium content. To determine if your school is a partner, please enter your school email address below.
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Technicians
- Aerospace Engineers
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Astrobiologists
- Astrogeologists
- Astronomers
- Astrophysicists
- Avionics Engineers and Technicians
- Biologists
- Chemical Engineers
- Chemists
- Computer Programmers
- Drone Engineers
- Drone Manufacturing Workers
- Drone Pilots
- Drone Repair Technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- Electrical Engineering Technologists
- Electronics Engineering Technicians
- Engineers
- Flight Instructors
- Geographic Information Systems Specialists
- Industrial Engineers
- Laboratory Testing Technicians
- Manufacturing Engineering Technologists
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Materials Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
- Physicists
- Pilots
- Robotics Engineers and Technicians
