Astronaut salaries around the world: here’s how much cosmonauts who work for NASA, for Elon Musk or for countries like Russia and Italy earn.
How much does an astronaut earn? Many children dream of being able to travel in space, but now this reserved privilege has become a real job due to the increase in missions.
To date, more than 600 people have been in space, with the Russian Yuri Gagarin being the first astronaut in the world while the American Neil Armstrong was the first to set foot on the moon.
Becoming an astronaut is not easy - but certainly not impossible - given that in addition to a long and specific career of studies, an impeccable physical shape is also required.
In addition to national or international space agencies, recently private agencies such as Space X or Blue Origin have also started to have their own astronauts.
Let’s take a closer look at the salary of an astronaut, with earnings that can vary based on the agency they work for.
How much does an astronaut earn
The earnings of an astronaut are not outlandish, in fact they remain decidedly down to earth. In fact, it is a normal salary for an office worker in France as highlighted the italian cosmonaut Paolo Nespoli.
It must be said, however, that the earnings of an astronaut can change - and by a lot - based on their level of experience and the agency they work for.
astronauts work mainly for national or international space agencies, such as:
- NASA (USA)
- ESA (European Space Agency)
- Roscosmos (Russia)
- CNSA (China)
- JAXA (Japan)
- CSA (Canada)
- Private agencies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Axiom Space are also starting to have their own astronauts
However, this has nothing to do with the stellar earnings of sports or movie stars: let’s take a detailed look at the various salaries received by astronauts around the world.
Astronaut’s salary
First let’s look at the NASA astronauts’ salary:
- they follow the US federal salary system;
- starting salary around 66,000 – 85,000 dollars per year;
- after experience and missions up to 140,000 – 160,000 dollars per year.
ESA astronauts (Europe):
- salary varies based on seniority and level of organization;
- an ESA astronaut earns around 60,000 to 100,000 euros net per year;
- after a mission, they can receive bonuses or promotions, but they are not huge.
Roscosmos astronauts (Russia):
- monthly basic salary about 150,000 rubles (about 1,500 euros);
- during a space mission up to 300,000 rubles (about 3,000 euros);
- annual gross bonus and risk allowance between 30,000 and 50,000 euros;
- former cosmonauts can receive a special pension.
Astronauts from private agencies (such as SpaceX, Axiom) receive variable salaries. Some are former military personnel paid by agencies, others are private individuals who pay to fly such as space tourists.
There are also no official figures for the salaries of Chinese astronauts, but according to some sources their earnings should fluctuate between 40,000 and 70,000 euros per year.
In general, some astronauts can earn more if they are public figures, participate in events, books, documentaries and things like that; certainly the more they do missions the more they earn, but they still don’t become millionaires.
Even if the salary is not "stellar", astronauts are entitled to excellent insurance, paid travel, international training and super professional status.
How to become an astronaut
How do you become an astronaut? Among the first information found online, it turns out that in theory "all you need" is a degree in a scientific discipline and an age preferably between 27 and 37 years old.
Going into detail, it turns out, even if it is not a surprise, that an excellent knowledge of the English language is needed. Knowledge of a second foreign language is an extra requirement, but very useful, especially if it is the second language of the space station, that is, Russian.
The qualifications and skills needed to apply are:
- a master’s in natural sciences (physical sciences, earth, atmospheric or ocean sciences, biological sciences), medicine, engineering or mathematics/computer science;
- have three years of work experience in a laboratory, hospital or having conducted field research;
- a PhD or equivalent qualification as a strong qualification.
It is good to know, also to be able to prepare in advance (where possible), the other requirements requested, this time during the training program. From swimming tests to flight operations, becoming an astronaut does not only involve simulating microgravity as seen in the movies.
Then there are the psychological requirements:
- work well in a team and in small spaces;
- be prepared for dangerous and risky situations;
- tolerate irregular work hours and changes in routine.
It should also be remembered that many astronauts are also military, engineers, doctors or pilots before entering space programs.
How to apply to become an astronaut
The opening of applications is quite regular and can be followed through the ESA official website. In order to apply, it is therefore necessary that the competition is open and the documentation is sent within the maximum time limit.
To fill out the application you must create an account on the site and insert your CV, a cover letter and a copy of your passport.
ESA opens applications every 10-15 years and the last time was in 2022; however, it is a long and super competitive process, with tens of thousands of candidates for a few places.
Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: Quanto guadagna un astronauta? Gli stipendi nel mondo
