How Much Does Sunita Williams Earn as an Astronaut?
Discover how much NASA astronaut Sunita Williams earns, including salary details based on pay grades (GS-13 to GS-15) and additional benefits like health insurance, training, and mission perks.
How Much Does Sunita Williams Earn as an Astronaut?
Astronaut Salaries: How Much Do They Earn?
Astronauts undergo extensive training to withstand harsh space conditions. Only those who successfully complete this rigorous process are selected for missions. Their salaries are determined by their experience and responsibilities and are classified under the U.S. federal pay scale, ranging from GS-13 to GS-15 under the General Schedule (GS).
Highlights:
- Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore have been in space since June 6, 2024.
- They are scheduled to return to Earth by March 12, 2025, two weeks ahead of the original plan.
- Astronaut salaries vary based on experience, mission responsibilities, and government pay grades.
NASA Astronaut Salary Structure:
GS-13 Grade:
Hourly Pay: $50.50
Monthly Salary: $8,898 (₹7.65 lakh)
Annual Salary: $81,216 - $105,579
GS-14 Grade:
Hourly Pay: $59.78
Monthly Salary: $10,397 (₹8.85 lakh)
Annual Salary: $95,973 - $124,764
GS-15 Grade:
Annual Salary: $146,757 (₹1.27 crore)
Sunita Williams’ Additional Benefits from NASA
Apart from her salary, Sunita Williams receives several perks from NASA, including:
✅ Comprehensive health insurance
✅ Advanced astronaut training
✅ Full transportation facilities
✅ Insurance coverage during missions (both professional and personal)
NASA ensures that astronauts are well-supported throughout their missions, both in space and on Earth.
