Introduction
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have spent far longer in space than expected. Their mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft was originally planned for eight days, but technical issues extended their stay to 286 days. With such a prolonged mission, a key question arises: How much do NASA astronauts earn for their time in space?
NASA Astronaut Salary Breakdown
NASA follows the General Schedule (GS) pay scale for astronaut salaries, with additional allowances for time spent in orbit.
1. Base Salary for Astronauts
- Wilmore and Williams hold GS-15 ranks, the highest for federal employees.
- Their base salaries range between $125,000 and $163,000 per year, depending on experience and seniority.
2. Space Per Diem Allowance
- Astronauts receive a daily per diem while in space.
- In 2010, astronaut Cady Coleman revealed NASA paid around $4 per day for space travel.
- If this rate applies, Wilmore and Williams would earn approximately $1,144 each for their extended stay.
3. Federal Travel Allowance
- The standard government travel rate is $178 per day.
- If NASA follows this guideline, they could receive an additional $51,000 each.
Do Astronauts Get Bonus Pay for Longer Missions?
Unlike private sector jobs, NASA astronauts don’t receive extra pay for extended missions. However, their experience boosts their career prospects for future space missions, research roles, and advisory positions after their tenure at NASA.
Conclusion
While Wilmore and Williams may not receive massive bonuses, their base salaries, daily allowances, and federal travel benefits ensure fair compensation for their time in space. With increasing interest in commercial space travel, astronaut salaries could evolve in the future to match the demands of long-term space exploration.
