2007-01-28 23:59:38 · 7 answers · asked by theloniouszen 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Salaries for civilian Astronaut Candidates are based on the Federal Government's General Schedule pay scale for grades GS-12 through GS-13. Each person's grade is determined according to his/her academic achievements and experience. Currently, a GS-12 starts at $65,140 per year and a GS-13 can earn up to $100,701 per year.
Military Astronaut Candidates are assigned to the Johnson Space Center and remain in an active duty status for pay, benefits, leave, and other similar military matters.
2007-01-29 00:27:03 · answer #1 · answered by gebobs 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The original seven (Shepard, Grissom, Glenn, Carpenter, Schirra, Cooper, Slayton) were all U.S. Military officers, test pilots, at the time. They continued to recieve the pay and benifits as per their rank when they transfered over to NASA. In fact there was a big stink early on that they were so busy with training and engineering duties that they weren't geting enough flight time, and would loose their flight status and thus their extra flight pay. That is one reason why Astronauts have T-38s to fly.
Since that time Civilain astronauts have become a part of the program, but Astronaut pay still hangs around close to what an Air Force Colonel or Major makes... I'd guess around $100k give or take.
2007-01-29 08:45:34 · answer #2 · answered by Larry R 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Immediately after getting a PhD in astronomy, you can expect to make $28-38,000. After 10 or 15 years or so, and working at the right place, you might make $50-80,000. Like many other careers, there are a wide range of possibilities, all the way from the high $20,000's to the low $150,000's.
2007-01-29 08:06:51 · answer #3 · answered by cordellialynn 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
With a bright, shiny button every day, and they get told they're heros. That seems to be enough for them.
They get more than an ordinary soldier but not by much.
2007-01-29 08:04:12 · answer #4 · answered by smile 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
230 k a year
2007-01-29 08:09:48 · answer #5 · answered by salamanda 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Quite a lot, as befits the hazards of their profession and its technical demands.
2007-01-29 08:04:43 · answer #6 · answered by poorcocoboiboi 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
With US currency like any other employee of NASA.
2007-01-29 08:03:22 · answer #7 · answered by Gene 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋