NASA Job Description
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the government agency that handles American forays into space, with the astronaut position as its most glamorous job. Nearly all its careers, however, keep its employees firmly on earth, though the focus remains in the sky. As with other government agencies, NASA boasts a competitive pay package that includes salary increases, vacation, insurance and retirement.
Other People Are Reading
-
Description
-
NASA provides jobs in several areas of the country, including the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Jet Propulsion Lab in California and the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. Most of the positions involve such science and engineering specialties as aerospace, biology, meteorology and computers. Other opportunities include administration, clerical and medical support, with a few student jobs and internships.
Qualifications
-
Science, engineering and technical professions generally require a minimum bachelor's degree related to the job. For example, someone interested in a position involving astronomy requires study in astronomy or astrophysics, while an astronaut needs background in engineering, biology, physical science or math. Administrative and clerical positions require a high school education. Additional qualifications depend on the job. For example, doctors must have already completed their residencies, while pilot astronauts need at least 1,000 hours in command of jet aircraft.
-
Pay
-
Starting salary varies by position with cost-of-living adjustments based on location. According to NASA, as of April 2010, an astronaut receives $60,743 to $71,780. Scientists and engineers earn $33,151 to $44,034. Doctors get $66,137 to $84,741, while attorneys are paid $37,744 to $74,773. Finally, senior management averages $102,300, while clerks make $16,392 to $20,588.
Benefits
-
NASA combines the benefits available to civil servants with those offered by top corporations. It encourages lifelong learning with educational subsidies as well as providing health plans, an on-site health clinic, sick leave and disability protection. Employees with families will find flexible work schedules, telecommuting and relocation particularly appealing. Pay for vacations, jury duty, military service and holidays is also standard. Finally, the job pay grade and benefit accruals easily transfer to other NASA locations or other government agencies.
Retirement
-
Retirement is covered by the Civil Service Retirement System, which includes a defined benefit that is deducted from pay. An employee may also contribute up to 10 percent of his income to a voluntary retirement account and a Thrift Savings Plan. Other benefits include insurance for health, life, dental, vision and long-term care, and flexible spending accounts for medical or dependent care expenses.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit saturn rocket - nasa image by Daniel Gillies from Fotolia.com
