Astronaut Salary: How much do NASA, ESA and SpaceX pay astronauts?

We’re pretty sure every kid ever dreamed at least once of becoming an astronaut. Who doesn’t like the idea of going on spacewalks, exploring distant planets and travelling the cosmos?

In practice, however, becoming an astronaut is extremely difficult – with space agencies such as NASA having strict requirements and rigorous tests to enter their space programs. Why? Astronauts have to conduct complex operational procedures and are ultimately responsible for looking after some incredibly expensive equipment e.g. the ISS!

Human spaceflight is dangerous – so space agencies like NASA only accept the best talent to become astronauts. In return, astronauts get paid a good salary. Have you ever wondered how much astronauts get paid?

In this article, we’ll find out the average astronaut salary at agencies such as NASA and ESA! 

What is an Astronaut? 

An astronaut is a highly skilled and trained individual that is deployed on a human spaceflight mission as a commander or crew member. They are often simply scientists, who fly into space. This can be to destinations such as the Moon (and hopefully in the near future, Mars), or to manned space stations like the International Space Station.

As part of their responsibilities in space, astronauts: 

• Conduct space research and experiments

• Take photos and scientific measurements in space  

• Maintain and repair equipment on board space stations and in spacecraft. 

• Handle and unload shipments from Earth – such as food and supply shipments to the ISS

• Conduct ‘space walks’

• Handle communications with Mission Control on Earth – transmitting scientific results.

But, before that, astronauts will need to undergo extensive training and preparation on Earth.

It can take up to two years of rigorous training to become an astronaut. This includes training on operating spacecraft, preparing for microgravity and weightlessness, robotics operation training, scientific training etc. 

How much does NASA pay Astronauts? 

NASA – being the biggest space agency in the world – is a top destination for prospective astronauts. What is the average NASA astronaut's salary?  

According to NASA, civilian astronaut salaries are determined by the US Government’s pay scales – or more specifically grades GS-13 to GS-14. 

As of 2022, the GS-13 pay scale ranges from $81,216 to $105,579 per annum. This is up to $8,798.25 per month or $50.59 an hour.

For GS-14, this rises to between $95,973 - $124,764 per annum. Similarly, GS-14 means a maximum of $10,397 a month or $59.78 an hour. Highly experienced astronauts may be awarded the GS-15 pay scale – netting them up to $146,757 a year.

What are the requirements for becoming a NASA astronaut?

To apply to the NASA astronaut program, candidates must: 

• Hold United States Citizenship

• Have a master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subject

• Have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience (or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in a jet aircraft)

Furthermore, astronaut candidates must also be able to pass the NASA long-duration astronaut physical test. What does this entail? 

• Distant and near visual acuity. Your vision must be correctable to 20/20 in each eye (although NASA does accept the use of glasses). 

• Applicants must meet the anthropometric requirements for both the spacecraft and the spacesuit. 

How do I apply to become a NASA astronaut? 

If you meet the requirements, look out for astronaut positions on Space Crew. Note that open astronaut positions are exceedingly rare. It’s useful to set up a job alert if you’re interested.

To apply, you’ll need to complete an initial outline application and undergo a preliminary online assessment before 11:59 PM (ET) on the application closing date. You may also be required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. Make sure you allow 3 hours to complete these. 

How much do the ESA pay Astronauts? 

ESA – or the European Space Agency – is the second (or third, depending on metrics) largest space agency in the world. They hold a very active presence on the International Space Station (ISS). 

Headquartered in Paris, France – the ESA is funded by 22 European member states including France, the UK, Germany, and Italy. It also receives funding from the EU as a whole. 

New recruits to the ESA Astronaut programs are usually paid the A2 scale. The amount of which ranges depending on your home country. 

• In France, this starts at €5,845.25 per month (€70,143 per annum).

• In Germany, this is €5,549.70 per month (€66,588 per annum)

• In the UK, the salary starts at £4,534.69 (£54,416 per annum)

• The US equivalent of this pay scale is $6,693.84 ($80,316 per annum). 

However, this is just a starting scale. Astronauts can earn up to ESA pay scale A4. 

• In France, this is €8,381.57 per month. (€100,578 per annum)

• In the UK, this is £6,503.91 per month (£78,046 per annum)

• The US equivalent of pay scale A4 is $9,596.82 ($115,161 per annum). 

However, gross salaries don’t tell the full story here. 

ESA salaries are exempt from national income tax in ESA Member States – and so astronauts’ net pay will be significantly higher than if they were earning the same in the private sector. 

What are the requirements for becoming an ESA astronaut?

To apply to become an ESA astronaut, you’ll need to: 

• Be a national of an ESA member state or an associated member state. These are: 

• Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom plus Slovenia, Latvia and Lithuania.

• Have a minimum of a Master’s degree in natural sciences, medicine, engineering, or mathematics/computer sciences.

• A degree as an Experimental Test Pilot or Test Engineer from an official Experimental Test Pilot School is also accepted.

• Have three years of professional experience – this can include in a lab, conducting research in the field or at a hospital.

• Hold a driving licence or be willing to – within their first year of training – obtain one in their home country

On top of these requirements, candidates must: 

• Be able to complete arduous physical activities including walking, running, heavy lifting and more.

• Pass a swimming test during the first month of training. 

• Be willing to undergo flight training and be willing to simulate microgravity by spending extended time underwater – that’s up to 8 hours a day. 

• Be able to speak and write English well. (minimum CEFR C1).

How do I apply to become an ESA astronaut? 

We post any vacancies for ESA astronauts on Space Crew. The last hiring call was posted on the 31st March 2021 and closed on the 18th June 2021.

To apply, you’ll need to send an online application and upload: 

• A CV (in the Europass format) 

• A cover letter

• A copy of your passport

• A European Part-M

• Class 2 medical certification issued by an aviation medical examiner. 

It’s useful to set up a job alert to make sure you don’t miss the next time the ESA is looking for candidates. Luckily, the ESA tends to have long submission windows. Make sure you apply in time to be considered! 

How much does SpaceX pay astronauts? 

SpaceX launched its first manned spaceflight mission – Dragon – in 2020. They have been sending astronauts to and from the ISS since their first launch.

SpaceX has been sending NASA astronauts in their Dragon spacecraft, however. They don’t yet have their own astronaut program and their manned space flights will be using NASA astronauts in the near future. 

NASA will work with SpaceX to land Americans back on the moon by 2025 at the earliest – with NASA astronauts. 

It’s unknown whether Elon Musk’s private space company will begin its own astronaut program. 

However, with Musk being serious about interplanetary space travel, some see it as inevitable that SpaceX will eventually begin training its own astronauts. Given that SpaceX is a private company, we can expect that its astronauts would be paid well above the $146,000 limit of NASA. 

Explore the latest space jobs with Space Crew

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Our job board lists open positions from SpaceX, OneWeb, ESA, NASA and many more. We’ve got job posts from space agencies, satellite companies, launch providers and everything in between.  

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