Top Jobs and Salaries In The Space Industry in 2024

9th Dec 2022
Top Jobs and Salaries In The Space Industry in 2024

The space industry is one of the best industries to get jobs that can guarantee financial stability. It is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries and has generated jobs for many people. Some of the most common services in this industry are weather forecasting, satellite television, and remote sensing. However, there are other services rendered by the space industry.

Thanks to technological advancement, getting a job in the space industry has increasingly become easier. For instance, you can find aerospace stress engineer jobs on job search websites, NASA or ESA’s official pages, and get the job without breaking a sweat.

However, researching possible career paths can help you understand the best option to explore. In this regard, we have worked with the experts from job aggregator Jooble to discuss the top jobs in the space industry. We will also cover the highest-paying and some in-demand jobs in the industry.

Highest-Paying Jobs In Space Industry

“I work in space” – sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. You straight away picture astronauts in spacesuits floating around. But let’s keep it real: the majority of jobs in space happen right here on Earth. Sometimes, the real action is in the nitty-gritty work behind the scenes. People are designing and building spacecraft, checking out what’s happening on Earth with satellites, and even looking back in time.

The space industry is lucrative, with many high-paying jobs. It is estimated that the industry will reach the point of generating up to $1 trillion per annum in 2040. Suppose you want a job that pays more than $100,000 per year; the space industry is a good starting point from which to explore your options.

Since astronauts are only one of dozens of space jobs and the logistics of space missions require a large team of workers with various skills, there are some of the highest-paying jobs in the industry.

Engineers

Engineers in the space industry are the architects behind the design, construction, and maintenance of intricate systems and spacecraft. Their responsibilities extend from launching spacecraft and deploying rovers on Mars to constructing communication satellites that facilitate our everyday Internet use, and beyond.

What does an engineer in the space sector do? 

  • Craft spacecraft like satellites, probes, rockets, and spaceships.
  • Contribute to the development of space stations.
  • Design ground equipment to establish communication with or operate spacecraft from Earth.
  • Innovate in the realms of robotics, computer programs, spacesuits, and a myriad of other technological marvels.

Computer Hardware Engineers

The average salary: $120,119 per year 

Hardware engineers engage in thorough research, design, development, and testing of computer systems and equipment employed to measure activity in outer space or on Earth. Their meticulous documentation skills come into play as they articulate detailed descriptions of how their designs operate, ensuring that others can effectively utilise the products they bring to fruition.

Requirements. Computer hardware engineers typically need a Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field, such as computer and information technology.

Electrical / Electronics Engineers

The average salary: $105,072 per year

In the realm of spacecraft, electrical engineers play a crucial role in crafting electrical systems. This involves updating both system and application software to enhance functionality. Oversight of the entire lifecycle – from manufacturing to installation, maintenance, and repair—falls under the purview of electrical engineers. Their paramount concern is ensuring the safety of electrical set plans, as the last thing we want is to contend with a fire during a space mission. Also, these engineers might develop equipment facilitating communication with astronauts during space missions or conduct rigorous testing on satellite antennas to guarantee flawless performance before deployment.

Requirements. You typically need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or a related engineering field. Employers also value practical experience, such as internships or participation in cooperative engineering programs.

Aerospace Engineer

The average salary: $102,229 per year

An aerospace engineer is responsible for designing, producing and testing aircraft. They do not only manufacture but also test and repair aircraft. They make both mobile aircraft and weapon aircraft like missiles, unlike aeronautical engineering, which deals with the design and development of aircraft on earth. Aerospace engineers deal with the design of craft within and outside of planetary atmospheres. Additionally, they play a crucial role in crafting and assessing prototypes, ensuring they function precisely as intended.

Requirements. You must have a Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, space system engineering, or mechanical engineering to enter the career. Aerospace engineers who work on projects that are related to national defence may need a security clearance. You will need an engineering degree to get into the career. 

Scientists

Meteorologists

Meteorologists are scientists who study the weather. They work in a branch of atmospheric science. Meteorology is used to predict weather and also to determine atmospheric conditions. Atmospheric scientists actively observe and analyse weather and climate patterns. Crafting both short-term and long-term forecasts involves an in-depth analysis of data gathered from computer programs and various instruments like weather balloons, radar systems, and satellite images. Beyond routine weather predictions, this space job also delves into the study of atmospheric phenomena, exploring captivating phenomena like the Northern Lights and intricate atmospheric patterns such as trade winds.

Requirements. You must possess a degree in mathematics, physics, geography or related courses to pursue a career in this field.

Astronauts

The average salary: $81,216-$105,579 per year

While astronauts undoubtedly play a prominent role in space exploration, they constitute only a small fraction of the jobs in the space industry. As of March 2024, the active astronaut corps comprises 48 individuals, with 20 women and 28 men. A notable peak in astronaut numbers occurred in 2000, reaching 149 active members. 

An astronaut is a professional who can serve as a commander or crew member of a spaceship. They are trained as space pilots. The main job of an astronaut is to conduct experiments in space. They also maintain the spacecraft’s environment.

Requirements. Becoming an astronaut involves a stringent selection process, commencing with entry into the astronaut candidate program. Eligibility requirements include a bachelor’s degree in biological science, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physical science and a minimum of 1,000 hours or 3 years of experience in piloting a jet aircraft. Prospective candidates undergo thorough screening and interviews, with a select pool of highly qualified individuals participating in additional assessments at the Johnson Space Center before final program selection.

The astronaut candidate program lasts approximately two years and encompasses training in diverse areas such as military water survival, robotics skills, space physiology, and medicine. Candidates use simulation facilities to simulate a space environment, acquiring crucial skills for their roles. Toward the program’s conclusion, candidates prepare for their specific mission assignments, marking the culmination of their comprehensive training.

RELATED: How Much Do Astronauts Get Paid?

Aeronautical Engineers

The average salary: $91,039-$111,00 per year

Aeronautical engineers study aircraft and their operation within the Earth’s atmosphere. Apart from having an engineering degree, you also need analytical, design, problem-solving, and mathematical skills to thrive in the profession.

Astronomers

The average salary: $128,330 per year

Astronomers engage in the comprehensive study of the cosmos, ranging from our solar system’s planets and stars to the expansive realms of the Milky Way and galaxies beyond. The main task of this space job is to elucidate the interworking mechanisms of celestial bodies and investigate the origins and impacts of extraordinary phenomena, including black holes, asteroids, and pulsars. 

For instance, planetary astronomers dedicate their efforts to scrutinising the rotational dynamics and life cycles of planets, moons, and asteroids. Conversely, stellar astronomers concentrate on the life cycles of stars, delving into the intricacies of phenomena such as black holes, supernovas, nebulae, and the genesis of stars. 

For those seeking a more encompassing perspective of the universe, many astronomers gravitate towards cosmology, a field that immerses them in the historical narrative of the cosmos. Here, active research and hypothesis formulation on contemporary theories – such as dark matter, string theory, and multiverses – constitute essential elements of their scholarly pursuits.

Requirements. Becoming an astronomer requires extensive education qualifications and other technical skills, such as IT proficiency, knowledge of space, and so on. Astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia.

In-Demand Jobs In The Space Industry

Apart from the high-paying jobs in the industry, there are other jobs you can consider if you want a job that is always readily available. The good news is that some of these jobs pay well. Below are some of the in-demand jobs in the space industry:

Space Pilots

The average salary: $106,372 per year

The high number of space companies has led to the increment in the demand for space pilots. Space pilots drive spaceships and transport people to space.

Test Technician

The average salary: $55,786 per year

Test technicians are the people that conduct tests on equipment and machinery. They check for the equipment’s quality and look out for anything that needs to be corrected. They record data from the test and pass it to the engineering team. The engineering team then implement the recommendation in the report and use the report to determine what to fix.

There is an increase in the demand for test engineers because of the continued increase in space materials and equipment production.

Cybersecurity Specialist

The average salary: $101,108 per year

The importance of cybersecurity in today’s data and digital information world cannot be overlooked. Cybersecurity helps keep data and digital assets safe and prevent loss or theft.

The need for cybersecurity specialists in the space industry is increased due to the need to secure information gathered from space.

Space Tour Guides

The average salary: $52,00 per year

There is an increased demand for recreational travel to space. This has, in turn, increased the need for tour guides. Many companies are building for space excursions and will be hiring guides to help them show their clients around. What’s more? Being a space tour guide is a very profitable job, with the possibility of its prospect increasing as space tours increase.

Space Builders

There has been proof that humans can build in space since 1960. Taking advantage of this, humans have started real estate plans for space. However, building life on other planets will require adequate knowledge about the planet. Space builders are saddled with the responsibility of helping humans realize their ambition of having real estate on other planets.

Conclusion

Apart from popular astronaut positions, there are a lot of profitable employment opportunities in the space industry. However, most jobs in the space industry require much education, skills, and thorough training. As grueling as getting this training might be, it is worth it.

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