Astronaut | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Astronauts fly spacecraft and do experiments in space.

  • Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.  
  • Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.  
  • Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace
Read more about Astronaut

Astronauts typically work around 39 to 41 hours per week.

As a Astronaut you will typically work evenings / weekends / bank holidays.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and
  • Read more about Astronaut
    * from ONETonline
    Average salary
    97,608 GBP *
    per year
    40,000 GBP
    80,000 GBP
    Starting
    5+ Experience
    * data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
    Average salary for Astronaut
    • 103,798 GBP
    Average salary for full-time Astronaut

    Showing:
    • 97,608 GBP
    • 103,798 GBP
    Salary over time for Astronaut

    Pay for this role has decreased slightly over time
    • 94,182 GBP
    • 87,447 GBP
    • 87,322 GBP
    • 84,307 GBP
    • 78,221 GBP
    • 86,204 GBP
    • 97,608 GBP
    • 75,903 GBP
    • 53,152 GBP
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    Future outlook for Astronauts

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    Very good outlook
    8 000+ jobs available
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    Fair outlook
    -7% yearly wage growth (on average)
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    Very good outlook
    28% chance of automation in the future

    Astronaut - Your future job?


    Which qualifications do I need?

    Find out what you need to know in order to become a Astronaut and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

    In terms of people already doing this job:

    • 59% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
    • 33% of people in this role have a Master's degree
    • 8% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent

    You can apply for astronaut training with the European Astronaut Corps or with NASA.

    You need to be between 27 and 37 years old and able to speak English fluently. It'll be helpful if you can speak basic Russian because it's used along with English on the International Space Station.

    You'll have an advantage if you're a pilot with at least 1,000 hours of flying experience in a high performance aircraft like a fighter jet.

    You'll also need a degree and a postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject like:

    • biology, chemistry or physics
    • engineering
    • medicine
    • aeronautics
    • mathematics

    You must hold US citizenship or US dual-citizenship to become an astronaut with NASA.


    Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Astronaut

    Science

    What soft skills do I need?

    Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Astronaut.
    Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
    Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
    Science Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems
    Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
    Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions

    What technical skills do I need?

    Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Astronaut. Check that you know:
    1
    Analytical or scientific software The MathWorks MATLAB
    2
    Computer aided design CAD software
    3
    Development environment software Ada; C; Microsoft Visual Basic
    4
    Object or component oriented development software C++
    5
    Operating system software Hewlett-Packard HP OpenVMS; Linux
    Improve your skills today

    Science

    Things to highlight for your Astronaut interview

    Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

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