Astronauts
Overview
Introduction
Astronauts conduct experiments and gather information while in space flight, including on the International Space Station. They also conduct experiments with the spacecraft itself to develop new concepts in design, engineering, and the navigation of a vehicle outside the Earth's atmosphere.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Astronauts begin their salaries in accordance with the U.S. Government pay scale. Astronauts enter the field at a minimum classification of GS-11, which in 2019 paid a minimum of $53,805, according to the Office of Personnel Management General Schedule. As they gain experience, astronauts may advance up the classification chart to peak at GS-14, which pays between $90,621 and $117,810. Of cours...
Work Environment
Astronauts do work that is difficult, challenging, and potentially dangerous. They work closely as a team because their safety depends on their being able to rely on one another. They work a normal 40-hour week when preparing and testing for a space flight, but, as countdown approaches and activity is stepped up, they may work long hours, seven days a week. While on a mission, of course, they w...
Outlook
Only a very small number of people will ever be astronauts. In fact, for the astronaut Class of 2017, only eleven were accepted into the astronaut candidate program. In 2019, about 38 astronauts were eligible for flight assignments. The small number of astronauts is not likely to change for the near future. The retirement of the space shuttle and lack of a ready replacement means that there are...
