Salary of an Astronaut
Average Salary of an Astronaut in 2025
The space industry continues to grow, with new missions to the Moon and Mars planned for this decade.
This guide reveals what astronauts earn at various space agencies and experience levels. We'll cover key questions like how much NASA pays versus SpaceX. We'll also look at whether military or civilian astronauts earn more. Plus, we'll find out which space agencies offer the best pay.
Understanding your career worth is crucial in 2025's expanding space economy. Discover salary ranges based on experience. Learn about international pay differences. Also, find proven tips to increase your earning potential.
This data comes from real salary surveys and government pay scales. If you dream of space travel or are training to be an astronaut, this guide has what you need.
What's the Average Salary of an Astronaut in the USA?
$120,000 per year (Average)
We used data from NASA, Glassdoor, Comparably, and ZipRecruiter to find the average salary. It ranges from $104,898 to $161,141 per year.
Military astronaut pay is approximately $152,258 per year as of 2024, with rates adjusted for 2025. This shows steady growth in astronaut pay. Space agencies are competing for the best talent in the growing space industry.
Astronaut Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $120,000 per year. Sources show a range from $87,064 (Comparably) to $135,344 (Glassdoor). The variety shows different space agencies, experience levels, and military or civilian roles.
Salary range: $85,000 - $200,000 per year.
Entry-level astronauts begin at $85,700. Experienced professionals can earn significantly more. SpaceX offers $120,000 to $200,000, depending on experience level. Glassdoor estimates SpaceX astronauts earn $95,000 - $170,000 per year.
Salary by experience:
Entry-level Astronauts: $85,700 - $105,000 per year
Mid-level Astronauts: $101,660 - $135,000 per year
Senior Astronauts: $141,715 - $200,000+ per year
Entry-level astronauts with less than 3 years earn $85,700. Mid-level astronauts with 4-9 years earn $101,660. Government pay scales show GS-14 astronauts can earn up to $141,715 per year.
75th percentile: $150,000 per year. Astronauts in the top 25% earn $150,000 or more each year. This includes senior mission specialists, commanders, and those working for private space companies.
Data from top job platforms and government sources on more than 1,500 astronaut salaries show similar figures across major space agencies.
Astronaut Salary Regional Comparison
Astronaut salaries vary significantly by country and space agency. Each nation funds its space programs differently. This impacts pay scales. Countries with larger space budgets typically offer better compensation packages. Private companies like SpaceX often pay more than government agencies.
Here's how salaries in different space agencies compare to the U.S. average.
NASA astronauts in San Jose, CA, make the most at $171,898, averaging total compensation.
SpaceX offers great value. Salary growth is strong, and private space missions are thrilling. The company's rapid expansion creates more opportunities for career advancement and higher pay.
6 Tips to Grow Your Salary as an Astronaut
1. Join Private Space Companies: SpaceX pays starting salaries between $120,000 and $200,000. That's higher than government jobs. Private companies usually pay 20-40% more than NASA. They do this to attract top talent and secure venture capital funding.
2. Gain Advanced Flight Experience: Pilot astronauts typically earn more than mission specialists. Military test pilots and airline captains with more than 1,000 flight hours have better chances of being selected. They also enjoy higher starting salaries.
3. Pursue Advanced STEM Degrees: PhD holders in engineering, physics, or medicine qualify for higher government pay grades. GS-14 positions can earn up to $141,715 per year compared to entry-level GS-11 positions.
4. Develop Specialized Skills: Skills in robotics, spacewalk operations, or spacecraft systems make you more valuable. Astronauts who can operate the robotic arm or perform complex repairs earn premium assignments.
5. Explore Global Opportunities: Working with space agencies like NASA, ESA, and JAXA can lead to longer missions. This also opens doors for international collaboration bonuses that increase your overall pay.
6. Transition to Leadership Roles: Former astronauts often take on roles like flight directors, mission planners, or space program managers. They can earn over $200,000 each year. These positions use space experience while offering higher pay than active astronaut roles.
FAQs About Astronaut Salary
What is the average salary of an Astronaut for entry-level positions?
Entry-level astronauts with less than 3 years of experience earn $85,700 per year on average. This applies to new astronaut candidates in training before their first space mission.
Is the average salary of an Astronaut before or after tax?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes. NASA civilian astronaut salaries range from $104,898 to $161,141 per year before taxes. Your take-home pay will be lower after federal and state taxes.
Does the average salary of an Astronaut include bonuses?
NASA astronauts typically receive an average bonus of $4,000. This amount is 4.82% of their salary. Also, 6% of astronauts report getting bonuses. Most salary data shows base pay only, not including performance bonuses or hazard pay.
How much do military Astronauts earn compared to civilian ones?
Military astronauts make about $152,258 each year. This is usually more than what civilian astronauts earn. Military personnel maintain their active duty status and receive additional benefits.
Which space agency pays Astronauts the highest average salary?
SpaceX pays top starting salaries, ranging from $120,000 to $200,000 based on experience. Private companies generally pay more than government space agencies like NASA or ESA.
Do Astronauts get paid while in space?
Astronauts get a daily per diem of about $1.20 while on the International Space Station. Their regular salary still continues. The per diem covers incidentals since room and board are provided.
What factors affect an Astronaut's salary the most?
Key factors include experience level, space agency type (government or private), military or civilian status, and specialized skills. Location also matters, with positions in high-cost areas paying more.
How often do Astronaut salaries increase?
Government astronauts receive annual cost-of-living adjustments and can advance through pay grades. Private company astronauts may see larger increases during performance reviews or job changes.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from different international salary surveys and government stats (2025).
Comments
Post a Comment