How Much Money Does a Rocket Scientist Make?

A rocket scientist is an aerospace engineer who designs and builds parts, equipment and aircrafts related to flying and space exploration. Although these professionals work in many different industries, rocket scientists are commonly related to those employed with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In May 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported salaries for aerospace engineers.

Qualifications

The minimum educational requirement for this occupation is a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Because of the complexity of designing and testing of related parts and equipment, many of these professionals pursue a master's or doctoral degree to improve employment opportunities.

Median Wages

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported approximately 70,570 aerospace engineers employed in the United States. The median annual wage was $94,780. The 25th percentile earned $74,650 per year, and the 75th percentile earned $116,140 per year.

Industries

These professionals can work in a variety of industries including aerospace products and parts manufacturing, government agencies, scientific research and development services and navigational, measuring, electrum, medical and control instruments manufacturing. The highest wages were reported in the aerospace products and parts manufacturing industry, where aerospace engineers earned annual mean wages $87,730. The federal government paid annual mean wages of $116,980.

NASA

Some NASA employees are required to obtain top-secret clearance. But NASA also employs civilians for many occupations. Those interested in a career in rocket science can apply for jobs within NASA. NASA entry-level salaries for engineers and scientists range from $33,151 to $44,034 per year. Entry-level salaries can increase 5 to 12 percent based on the cost of living of each job location.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Engineers
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Aerospace Engineer Occupational Wages
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Civil Service Entry-Level Pay

Resources

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Rocket Science 101
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Sounding Rocket Program Science and User's Site