The Real Numbers Behind Space Salaries

When you picture an astronaut, what comes to mind? A heroic figure floating weightlessly above Earth, conducting experiments, repairing satellites, or perhaps setting foot on the Moon. Astronauts embody the spirit of exploration, courage, and scientific advancement. But amidst the glory, there’s a more down-to-earth question that often gets asked:

How much do astronauts actually get paid?
And further, who is the highest-paid astronaut ever?
What are the most lucrative jobs at NASA, and how much does the head of NASA make?

Let’s take a deep dive into the fascinating world of astronaut paychecks and NASA’s salary structure. Spoiler alert: you won’t find billionaire earnings here, but the reality is still pretty impressive, and packed with some surprising details.

The Basics: How Much Do Astronauts Make?

Astronauts are government employees, and their salaries are largely determined by a pay scale set by the U.S. federal government. Most NASA astronauts are civilian employees, while others may come from the military.

Civilian Astronaut Salaries

NASA civilian astronauts are categorized under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, a standardized scale used across federal agencies. Typically, astronauts fall under the GS-12 to GS-13 levels when they first join NASA’s astronaut program.

• GS-12 Step 1 salary (2024): ~$73,000 per year

• GS-13 Step 10 salary (2024): ~$102,000–$117,000 per year

With experience, performance, and time, astronauts can climb the pay ladder within these grades. Promotions are based on years of service and merit rather than any individual spaceflight.

Military Astronauts

For astronauts from the Air Force, Navy, or other military branches, their pay is governed by military pay scales, which factor in:

• Years of service

• Rank

• Special allowances (like hazard pay or flight bonuses)

A military astronaut might earn between $80,000 to $120,000 annually, sometimes more depending on deployments and additional duty-related pay.

What Factors Influence an Astronaut’s Salary?

While the pay range may seem fixed, several factors influence what astronauts actually take home:

1. Experience and Rank

New astronaut candidates start near the lower end of the GS-12 level, but seasoned astronauts, mission commanders, and those involved in leadership or training roles can earn toward the upper end of GS-13 and beyond.

2. Special Assignments

Astronauts who take on additional roles at NASA (such as department leadership, mission planning, or public relations) may receive temporary bonuses or higher-grade positions.

3. Spaceflight Missions

Interestingly, there is no specific “bonus” for flying in space. Whether you’re orbiting Earth or training on the ground, your base salary stays the same. However, astronauts do receive per diem and travel compensation for certain mission-related duties.

So… Who Is the Highest Paid Astronaut Ever?

This is a tricky one. While exact salaries are a matter of public record for current federal employees, over the decades, some astronauts have leveraged their fame after NASA to build considerable wealth, through book deals, consulting, public speaking, and even Hollywood appearances.

But if we’re talking base salary alone while employed at NASA, here are some notable cases:

1. G. David Low (Posthumous Mention)

Low was a three-time shuttle astronaut and held senior management positions at NASA before moving to private industry. His top government salary likely reached the Senior Executive Service (SES) level, which can exceed $150,000–$200,000+ depending on location and position.

2. John Glenn

The legendary John Glenn, first American to orbit the Earth, was not only a space hero but later a U.S. Senator. While at NASA, he likely maxed out the astronaut pay scale, but his post-NASA political career vastly increased his earnings and influence.

3. Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong, the first man on the Moon, earned around $27,000 in 1969, which was a lot at the time, about $220,000 today when adjusted for inflation. Though not the highest-paid in raw numbers, that paycheck symbolized the pinnacle of the astronaut profession at the time.

4. Today’s Top Astronauts

Modern-day astronauts in senior leadership or long-serving roles, like Scott Kelly, who spent nearly a year aboard the ISS, likely hit GS-15 or SES levels before retirement. Their salaries could reach $160,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on tenure and performance.

What’s the Highest-Paid Job at NASA?

Astronauts might be the face of NASA, but they’re not necessarily the highest earners. NASA, like other federal agencies, has a structured salary hierarchy. At the top, you’ll find:

1. Senior Executive Service (SES) Roles

The SES level includes NASA’s top managers, program directors, and associate administrators. These are high-level leadership positions that help steer the agency’s direction, manage multibillion-dollar projects, and ensure compliance with national policy.

• SES Base Pay Range (2024): $145,000 – $212,000+

Within SES, salaries depend on performance and responsibilities, not just time served. Bonuses and special pay adjustments are also available for mission-critical roles.

2. Specialized Engineers & Scientists

NASA employs some of the world’s brightest minds in aerospace, software engineering, planetary science, and robotics. Certain experts, especially those leading major projects like Mars rovers or Artemis missions, can earn SES-level pay or comparable contractor salaries if working through private partnerships.

3. Contractors and Private Sector Partners

NASA frequently collaborates with private companies (like SpaceX, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Blue Origin). Senior engineers and executives at these partner firms often earn substantially more than any NASA employee. Think $300,000 to millions annually, depending on the role and company.

How Much Does the Head of NASA Make?

NASA’s top official, the Administrator, is a political appointee and usually a former astronaut, engineer, or high-level government official. As of recent years, the NASA Administrator earns a salary based on the Executive Schedule (Level II) for federal agencies.

• NASA Administrator Salary (2024): ~$203,700 annually

This position is just one step below the Vice President of the United States in terms of salary grade.

The Administrator is responsible for overseeing everything at NASA, from policy and budgeting to coordinating with Congress and international space agencies. It’s not just a job; it’s a legacy.

What Happens After NASA? The Private Sector Pay Leap

Many astronauts and NASA employees find their most lucrative career moments after leaving the agency. Some notable examples:

1. Chris Hadfield

The Canadian astronaut became a viral sensation for his music video from the ISS. Post-NASA, he earns from speaking engagements, book sales, and consulting.

2. Scott and Mark Kelly

After long careers as NASA astronauts and U.S. Navy captains, the Kelly twins turned to writing, speaking tours, and politics. Their public earnings now eclipse their federal salaries.

3. Garrett Reisman

After retiring from NASA, Reisman joined SpaceX as Director of Space Operations. Today, he’s also a professor at USC and a regular commentator on commercial spaceflight. Private sector + academia = major earning potential.

Are Astronauts Underpaid?

It’s a common question, especially when compared to high-risk, high-skill private sector jobs in tech, aviation, or finance. Given the dangers of spaceflight, intense training, and the years of education involved, some argue that astronauts deserve more.

But astronauts don’t usually do it for the money. They do it for the mission. For the legacy. For the thrill of exploring the final frontier. Still, they are fairly compensated within the public service framework, and their post-NASA careers often bring financial rewards as well.

A Quick Salary Breakdown Chart (2024 Estimates)

In Summary: Salaries in the Space Lane

So how much do astronauts get paid?

While they won’t be making Forbes’ Billionaires List anytime soon, astronauts are fairly compensated for their roles, especially when you factor in the prestige, mission impact, and future opportunities their careers afford.

• The average astronaut earns $80K–$120K, with room to grow.

• The highest-paid astronaut in base salary likely earned $160K–$200K before retirement.

• The highest-paying roles in NASA are leadership and SES positions, reaching over $200K/year.

• The Administrator of NASA earns a government-fixed $203,700 annually.

• And many astronauts see their biggest financial success after NASA, through public speaking, writing, consulting, and commercial space ventures.

Whether in orbit or on the ground, these pioneers remind us that the pursuit of knowledge and discovery is priceless, even if the paychecks come with government caps.