Becoming a mission flight specialist takes a lot of dedication and work. Typically, space agencies have limited openings, and only the most qualified candidates who meet the physical standards advance to the first round of interviews.
So, if you’re one of them and want to learn more about some of the advantages of working as a mission specialist, look at how much money you can make in this field.
In this article, we look at how much a mission flight specialist makes and the factors that affect their salary.
Table of contents
What Does The Mission Flight Specialist Do
One of two types of astronauts in the US space program is a “Mission Flight Specialist.” A space shuttle or station crew comprises mission specialists and astronaut pilots who work together to control the spacecraft and carry out the mission’s flight plan.
Also, NASA prepares mission specialists to fulfill various technical astronaut duties, such as:
- Plumbing and heating issues. Even in space, it’s a mundane job but important.
- The construction of a space station.
- Performing spacewalks
- Repairing satellites
- Using a robot arm to work in space.
- Mission planning, which includes personnel activity as well as the administration of food and drink supplies.
A mission specialist may provide training and support to other shuttle crews and assist in assembling and testing equipment between space flights.
How Much Does Mission Flight Specialist Make?
According to Alexa, the salaries of Mission Specialists in the US range from $80,000 to $120,000, with a median salary of $100,000. 67% of US Mission Specialists make the median salary.
How Much Does Mission Flight Specialist Make a Year?
According to Zippia, Mission Specialists in America make an average salary of $63,381 per year. The top 10 percent earn more than $147,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent earn less than $27,000 per year.
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How Much Does Mission Flight Specialist Make a Month?
In the US, Mission Flight Specialist makes roughly $6,809/month.
How Much Does Mission Flight Specialist Make Per Hour?
Astronauts and mission specialists in America make an average salary of $30 per hour.
Factors Affecting Mission Flight Specialist Salaries
According to NASA, Successful applicants have at least a master’s degree in science or engineering, and many have a doctorate or medical degree.
All mission specialists become qualified aircrew members in NASA’s fleet of T-38 jet trainers during their first year of training. Furthermore, some factors affect mission flight specialist salaries at some level.
Entry Level
Candidates who wish to work as a mission flight specialist and make a solid living should have a Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, math, or science at the very least. Some science degrees, such as chemical or physical science, are also acceptable.
Graduate
It would be great if you had a higher degree, such as a master’s degree in any of these fields, as an added qualification for higher jobs and higher compensation as a mission flight specialist.
Senior Level
After completing your educational requirements, you should enroll in training programs such as survival and advanced training, which will help you develop your job in terms of position and salary.
This training can take two to three years, ensuring you master the abilities needed for your specialized function within the bigger team.
What Increases a Mission Flight Specialist’s Salary?
The compensation for mission flight specialists varies depending on their level of expertise, the job they do, and the company they work for. The following are some of the most important aspects that can affect the salary of a mission flight specialist:
Experience
It’s usual for mission flight specialists with more experience to earn more than those who are just starting out in the field.
Most space agencies provide their employees a beginning salary that rises over time, making the job more appealing.
Because there aren’t many highly qualified mission flight specialists worldwide, space agencies seek to reward them for their efforts by constantly improving their salary and working conditions.
Location
Even though the world’s main space organizations pay its mission astronauts similarly, moving might sometimes result in a pay raise.
A UKSA astronaut, for example, who participates in an innovative ESA initiative may receive a bonus that has a major impact on their remuneration.
Benefits
Working for a space agency may include regular business travel or participating in specialized training sessions in other countries. Fortunately, most companies provide a variety of benefits to their employees.
This could include things like housing benefits and health insurance. Employee benefits can make mission flight specialists feel valued and boost their overall compensation.
Participating in international programs
Mission flight specialists may benefit from participating in multinational space programs by gaining professional knowledge and improving their qualifications.
As a result, individuals may be eligible for a better income both during and after the program. Because their local space agencies may decide to promote them or give them a raise, this is the case.
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Organizations that pay the highest for Mission Flight Specialist
Here are some of the companies that pay the highest for mission flight specialists:
| Rank | Company | Average Mission Specialist Salary |
| 1 | NASA | $120,000 |
| 2 | Harris | $102,683 |
| 3 | Northrop Grumman | $100,681 |
| 4 | ARINC Engineering Services | $93,325 |
| 5 | Rockwell Group | $85,099 |
| 6 | General Dynamics | $80,616 |
| 7 | JDC | $76,609 |
| 8 | Federal Aviation Administration | $76,275 |
| 9 | US Navy | $76,266 |
| 10 | United States Army Corps of Engineers | $76,022 |
| 11 | Potomac Services | $75,724 |
| 12 | FEMA | $74,238 |
| 13 | Palantir Technologies | $74,228 |
FAQs
Mission flight specialists can do little of everything, including helping to plan the missions the astronauts go on and fixing the equipment on the space station.
The salaries of Mission Specialists in the US range from $80,000 to $120,000, with a median salary of $100,000. 67% of US Mission Specialists make the median salary.
Skill-wise, you require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological or physical science, computers, or math.
You’ll require three years of post-graduate professional experience or 1,000 hours as a pilot in command of a jet aircraft in addition to your B.S. NASA astronauts must be citizens of the United States.
Conclusion
I hope that this article on ‘Mission Flight Specialist Salary’ provides you with some insight into the income of a mission flight specialist.
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