US Astronaut Salary in 2022 Posted Oct 20, 2022
Astronaut is a very exciting and prestigious profession in the United States. However, not everyone understands how hard and meaningful this work is. All applicants for this position go through a rigorous selection process. Only a few prospects can get a unique chance to go into space orbit. Let's see how much NASA astronauts earn in 2022.
According to NASA, the average salary of US astronauts depends on their level of education, skills, and overall work experience. In general, salaries for this profession are calculated according to the federal government salary scale of grade GS 12 and grade GS 13. Moreover, each grade is divided into steps – from 1 to 10. Each subsequent one is assigned depending on the number of flights completed and the experience of working as an astronaut.
According to official data from the US Office of Personnel Management, in 2022, an American astronaut with a GS-12 class and step 1 earns about $67,000 per year. After several years of excellent work and reaching the 10th step, the astronaut can count on 76,500 dollars. More qualified GS-13 astronauts receive about $79,000 annually. In a few years, a spaceman can expect to earn $103,000 or more. However, for some positions, the GS 15 grade and the 10th step are also provided. It is equal to the rank of colonel of the US Armed Forces. In this case, the astronaut can earn over 142 thousand dollars a year.
Benefits of being a US astronaut
According to NASA, in addition to wages, astronauts receive sick pay, annual leave, insurance, and additional benefits after retirement. In some cases, extra reimbursements are provided. This can be additional money for food (up to $1,200 per month) and partial compensation for rent – up to $1,600 per month.
There is also a surcharge for the total number of hours spent in space. The maximum size comes up to 200 dollars per flight hour. When a spaceman is in orbit, they are entitled to regular salaries plus per diem payments of up to $150 per hour. Such an allowance is symbolic since all astronauts, without exception, are provided with food and housing.
How to become an astronaut in the USA
To become an astronaut in the US, you need the following:
- Excellent physical and mental health, stress resistance. The candidate must also have good eyesight.
- Magnificent physique. Applicants must be between 5.7 and 6.4 feet tall and between 135 and 200 pounds weigh.
- Higher education related to rocket technology (engineering). A diploma in medicine or physics may also be suitable since these sciences play a key role in space exploration.
Former military pilots often become astronauts. However, before that, they train for a very long time to pass a thorough selection. Additionally, NASA requires 1,000 hours of jet flight or three years of experience in the aforementioned specialty. An indisputable advantage is leadership skills, knowledge of the history of astronautics, foreign languages, and teamwork skills.
