A risky job... How much do astronauts get paid?

A risky job... How much do astronauts get paid?

A Dangerous Job: How Much Do Astronauts Get Paid?

Many of us might imagine that an astronaut's salary is worth millions, especially since it's one of the most difficult jobs available, requiring years of training, high-level qualifications, and the ability to handle dangerous situations.

However, surprisingly, this isn't the case at all, according to a NASA employee, who confirmed that it's not the most lucrative profession. Nicole Stott, an astronaut, engineer, and retired astronaut, confirmed that her salary is "not very high," according to the Daily Mail.

Throughout her career, she has participated in two space missions and spent more than 100 days in space. She launched on the STS-128 mission to the International Space Station in 2009 and spent three months there. She was the tenth woman to perform a spacewalk and the first person to operate the ISS's robotic arm to capture a free-flying cargo ship.

A Small Bonus

Earlier this year, it emerged that NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were stranded on the International Space Station for nine months, would likely receive a small bonus for their hardship.

Former NASA astronaut Cady Coleman explained that astronauts receive only their base salary, excluding overtime pay for "incidental expenses"—a small amount they are "legally obligated to pay." According to NASA, the annual salary for astronauts is $152,258 (£112,347), but this salary can vary depending on education and experience.