When people think of space careers, they probably first picture astronauts on the moon.
That is true.
Some people do that.
However, this industry employs a vast range of people, with almost none of them leaving earth but still enjoying the love for the universe past it.
1. Astronaut
Why Become an Astronaut?
Becoming an astronaut seems to be a “dream job” of someone fascinated with space.
Not everyone has this opportunity, especially not to end up on a rocket sent past earth and back.
Salaries for this position vary, and you may need to attend at least four years of school.
A job growth rate of 4 percent makes it a somewhat viable career choice, at least until 2030.
Earn as little as about $26,000 and as much as $100,000 or more in this profession.
| Astronaut Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 9% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Astronaut
2. Aerospace Engineer
Why Become an Aerospace Engineer?
You do not have to take a trip to space to enjoy being an aerospace engineer.
This position gives you the chance to influence spacecraft technologies at a variety of levels.
Earn an average of $119,220 per year after gaining practical experience and attending about four years of school.
This profession has a slightly faster than average (2 percent above) growth rate until 2030.
| Aerospace Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $122,970 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $59.12 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 2% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Aerospace Engineer
3. Aeronautical Engineer
Why Become an Aeronautical Engineer?
You could become a leader in the testing and development of aircraft and space equipment.
Maybe you would also become involved in the formation of defense missiles used for national security.
Aeronautical engineers can make about $119,220 after about four years of school and practical experience.
This position measures at a 2 percent job growth rate until 2030.
You might consider this career path if you have any pilot experience, or it could prepare you for learning how to fly planes.
Eventually, you could become a teacher in this field too.
| Aeronautical Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $122,970 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $59.12 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 2% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Aeronautical Engineer
4. Astronomer
Why Become an Astronomer?
If you have a fascination for stars, galaxies, and planets or curiosity about the universe, this form of science may suit you.
This deep understanding of vast concepts may help you discover new ways to help people and improve technologies.
It may also provide you an edge if you ever decide to become a teacher and want to experience life in the sky first hand.
Earn an annual salary of about $122,270 after about four years of school, but make sure you also acquire real-life experience studying stars before you graduate.
| Astronomer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $139,410 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $67.02 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 10% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Astronomer
5. Materials Engineer
Why Become a Materials Engineer?
If you do not have the means to prepare yourself for a trip to space, you can at least work in a related field.
As a materials engineer, you might become involved in developing new space technology.
However, you do not necessarily have to use this training in the aerospace or aeronautics field.
A variety of industries, including manufacturers, require materials engineers.
Earn an average of $97,890 after about four years of school, during which time you will probably receive practical experience before you graduate.
It is a competitive field with growth about as fast as average at least until 2030.
| Materials Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $101,950 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $49.02 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 0% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Materials Engineer
6. Mechanical Engineer
Why Become a Mechanical Engineer?
Learn how machine parts or even how the human body operates.
Then, you could become influential in improvements as a mechanical engineer and have repair or maintenance knowledge.
Earn at least $93,540 per year and enjoy a slightly above-average career growth rate of 4 percent until 2030.
This position may require four years of school or more with some practical training while you learn.
| Mechanical Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $97,000 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $46.64 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Mechanical Engineer
7. Robotics Engineer
Why Become a Robotics Engineer?
Even though the job growth outlook only measures about 4 percent faster than average from 2020 to 2030, this could change as technology advances.
For instance, the need for robotics engineers has become popular within the foodservice and retail industries, especially since 2020.
Robots are not just for manufacturers anymore, so keep track of this career’s developments.
You could earn about $103,480 per year after about four years of school and some practice.
| Robotics Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $107,890 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $51.87 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Robotics Engineer
8. Biologist
Why Become a Biologist?
You can observe organisms and resolve problems related to this.
This could provide you with an entry into the medical science field, where you could develop new medicines or supplements.
Biologists also may play a role in designing health care machine technology.
Earn about $89,100 per year in this position, which has about a 9 percent faster-than-average job growth rate from 2020.
| Biologist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $93,970 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $45.18 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 9% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Biologist
9. Biochemist
Why Become a Biochemist?
You will learn about the chemistry of living organisms and study a variety of substances in labs.
This may lead you into food technology, genetics, and maybe medicine or health care research.
Make at least $108,180 per year in this position after about four years of school and on-the-job experience.
Expect an 11 percent job growth rate from now until 2030, and maybe find a job in time while this trend continues.
| Biochemist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $113,460 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $54.55 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 11.4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Biochemist
10. Meteorologist
Why Become a Meteorologist?
As a meteorologist, you become aware of weather conditions and atmosphere patterns.
Then, you can predict the weather based on past and present readings.
A meteorologist earns about $97,160 per year and may attend school for four or more years.
The job outlook for this position measures a 9 percent growth from 2020 to 2030.
| Meteorologist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $96,880 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $46.58 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Meteorologist
11. Rocket Scientist
Why Become a Rocket Scientist?
You can become a part of the testing and design of (hopefully) safe rocket ships.
Perhaps, you could end up also constructing military missiles.
This space job role would generate about $97,160 for you after about four years of school and a 2 percent change in opportunities from 2020 to 2030, which makes it a position slightly above-average growth-wise.
| Rocket Scientist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $96,880 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $46.58 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 2% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Rocket Scientist
12. Astrophysicist
Why Become an Astrophysicist?
As an astrophysicist, you will become entrenched in the knowledge of how the planets, stars, and celestial objects or galaxies move.
You would study how they behave relative to one another and separately.
It may benefit you if you plan to also involve yourself in technological innovations or plan to teach physics in the future.
This position could earn you an annual salary of $122,270 after at least four years of school as long as you also place yourself in practical learning environments.
Researchers predict a 9 percent job growth outlook for this profession until 2030.
| Astrophysicist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $139,410 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $67.02 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 9% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Astrophysicist
13. Avionics Technician
Why Become an Avionics Technician?
Maybe you are no longer interested in flying planes, or becoming a pilot does not seem like a practical option for you.
Becoming an avionics technician could at least place you in an environment you find fascinating.
This career would fit you if you also have some proficiency in repairing electronic equipment and telecommunications devices.
You would repair radar and navigation aids and other equipment too.
You would earn about $66,970 per year after about four years of school, and you will notice a 6 percent need growth for this profession until 2030.
| Avionics Technician Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $69,860 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $33.59 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 6% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Avionics Technician
