Average Salary for an Astronaut in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for an Astronaut plays a key role in career choices for space professionals.
"Working as an astronaut is one of the most exciting and challenging careers in the world. These brave professionals travel to space, conduct research, and help us learn more about the universe.
Astronauts work for NASA, private space companies, or international space agencies. They spend years training before they can go to space.
Their job includes flying spacecraft, doing experiments, and working outside their space stations. The pay for astronauts has changed a lot in recent years as more companies enter the space industry."
Knowing your career worth in 2025 is very important for any professional, including astronauts. The space industry is growing fast with companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.
This growth affects how much astronauts can earn. Similar to aerospace engineers and pilots, astronaut salaries depend on experience, education, and which organization they work for.
This blog will answer all your questions about astronaut pay in 2025.
We will cover average salaries, pay by experience levels, and which states pay the most. You will also learn practical tips to increase your earning potential as an astronaut. We will answer common questions like whether the salary includes bonuses, how taxes affect pay, and what benefits astronauts receive.
Average Salary for an Astronaut in the USA?
$105,000 per year (Average)
Based on several global salary surveys and government data, the average astronaut salary in the USA ranges from $104,898 to $161,141 per year for civilian astronauts. Multiple salary platforms, including Comparably and Salary.com, report averages between $87,064 and $102,087 annually.
We calculated the above average by combining data from NASA official sources, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and other major job platforms.
Compared to last year, astronaut salaries have increased significantly, with starting pay more than doubling since 2019.
This increase comes from NASA's updated pay structure and growing competition from private space companies.
Salary for an Astronaut Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $105,000 per year, according to several USA salary surveys and government statistics
Salary range: The minimum salary starts at $80,693, while the maximum can reach $109,152 for most positions. NASA civilian astronauts specifically earn between $104,898 to $161,141 per year.
Salary by experience: Entry-level astronauts with less than 3 years earn $85,700, mid-level with 4-9 years earn $101,660, and senior astronauts with 10-20 years make $147,380 annually. Early career astronauts with 1-4 years earn $97,591 based on multiple salary reports.
75th percentile: Top-earning astronauts make around $102,087 per year, according to U.S. data sources and surveys.
Salary for an Astronaut: Regional Comparison
Astronaut salaries change based on location, cost of living, and which space centre they work at. NASA has facilities in different states, and private companies operate from various locations. The type of missions and local job market also affect pay rates. Here's how salaries compare across major regions and space industry hubs.
According to state-by-state salary data, Florida is among the lowest-paying states for astronaut jobs, while states like California offer higher compensation.
California offers the best value for astronauts working with private companies, despite higher living costs. The state's tech industry and private space companies drive higher salaries.
For professionals interested in related fields, flight engineers and aerospace engineers also see similar regional pay differences across these same states.
7 Tips to Grow Your Astronaut Salary
1. Get Advanced Degrees and Certifications: Education and certifications significantly impact astronaut salary ranges. Advanced degrees in engineering, physics, or medicine can increase your starting pay. NASA prefers candidates with master's degrees or PhDs. Additional certifications in pilot training or scuba diving also help.
2. Gain Military or Test Pilot Experience: Military astronauts often have different pay structures and benefits. Military personnel detailed to NASA can earn around $152,258 per year. Test pilot experience is highly valued and can lead to faster career advancement.
3. Specialise in High-Demand Skills: Focus on skills like robotics, spacewalk operations, or spacecraft systems. These specialisations are in high demand and can boost your value. Medical training and research skills are also valuable for long-duration missions.
4. Consider Private Space Companies: Private companies like SpaceX likely pay well above NASA's $146,000 limit for civilian astronauts. These companies often offer stock options and bonuses that can significantly increase total compensation.
5. Build International Experience: Working with international space agencies or on global missions adds value to your profile. ESA, CSA, and other agencies offer exchange programs that enhance your skills and marketability.
6. Pursue Mission Leadership Roles: Commander and mission specialist roles typically earn more than general astronaut positions. Leadership experience and training can help you qualify for these higher-paying positions.
7. Stay Current with Space Technology: The space industry changes rapidly. Keep learning about new technologies, spacecraft systems, and mission requirements. This knowledge helps you qualify for specialised, high-paying roles.
Similar to careers for pilots and aerospace technicians, staying updated with industry trends is crucial for salary growth.
FAQs | Astronaut's Salary
What is the average salary for an astronaut in 2025?
The average salary ranges from $104,898 to $161,141 per year for civilian astronauts, with most earning between $87,191 and $102,087 annually.
Is the astronaut's salary before or after taxes?
All reported astronaut salaries are gross annual income before taxes. Federal, state, and local taxes will reduce your take-home pay depending on your location and tax situation.
Does the astronaut's salary include bonuses and mission pay?
No, base salaries do not include bonuses. Astronauts receive additional compensation for long-duration missions, EVAs, and high-risk research activities. Mission bonuses can add thousands to annual earnings.
How much do entry-level astronauts earn?
Entry-level astronauts with less than three years of experience earn an average of $85,700 per year. However, recent NASA updates show that starting salaries have increased significantly from previous years.
What benefits do astronauts receive besides salary?
Astronauts receive comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, life insurance, and paid training. They also get housing allowances during training and travel benefits for family members.
Do military astronauts earn more than civilian astronauts?
Military astronauts detailed to NASA can earn around $152,258 per year, which is often higher than civilian starting salaries. However, their pay structure is different and includes military benefits.
How does astronaut's pay compare to airline pilots?
Astronauts typically earn more than commercial airline pilots initially, but senior airline captains can earn similar amounts. Both careers require extensive training and have high responsibility levels.
What is the highest salary an astronaut can earn?
Senior astronauts with more than 20 years of experience can earn $159,800 per year on average. The maximum for NASA civilian astronauts reaches $161,141 per year.
Do astronauts get paid during space missions?
Yes, astronauts continue receiving their regular salary during space missions. They also earn additional hazard pay and mission bonuses for dangerous activities like spacewalks.
How often do astronaut salaries increase?
Astronaut salaries follow federal government pay scales and typically increase annually. Recent years have seen significant increases, with salaries more than doubling since 2019. Performance reviews and promotions can also lead to pay raises.
What education is required for the highest-paying astronaut jobs?
Most high-paying astronaut positions require advanced degrees in STEM fields. PhD holders and those with specialised skills like medical training or test pilot experience typically earn more.
How does working for private space companies affect astronaut's salary?
Private space companies like SpaceX likely pay above NASA's civilian salary limits. These companies often offer stock options, bonuses, and other benefits that can significantly increase total compensation.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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