NASA Jobs: What They Are and How to Get One

NASA has very high standards when it comes to evaluating job applicants. While many different opportunities are available at NASA, being selected for one of these positions will require you to have academic and practical experience demonstrating your qualifications. The hard work of landing a job at NASA is well worth it. You surround yourself with, learn from, and collaborate with world-class colleagues who are experts in their fields. You get to work on important, innovative projects that potentially contribute to society.

NASA has various career options in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) besides media, accounting, and business-related positions. Explore many of the potential positions you could obtain, as well as the NASA job education requirements you’ll need to get there.

Overview of NASA

NASA is a federal agency in charge of overseeing space exploration, technology and science connected to air and space, and space aeronautics, as well as America’s participation in the International Space Station. As of April 2024, NASA has an operational budget of $34.13 billion, amounting to 0.2 percent of the US federal budget [1]. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NASA has major locations across the United States, with a total of 20 centers and facilities where NASA employs 17,330 individuals in full-time positions [2]. 

NASA plans to continue developing space technologies to pursue more complex space exploration missions. With the success of NASA and the growth of space exploration as a whole depending on continued advancements, NASA works to support and promote STEM education efforts. 

Requirements for working at NASA

Since NASA is a federal government agency, you must be a US citizen to qualify for positions. Education and experience requirements will vary depending on the job; for example, those applying to the Astronaut Candidate Program will need a master’s degree in a STEM field, such as engineering or physical science, and either two years of professional experience within that field or 1,000 hours piloting a jet aircraft.

7 NASA jobs

When you think of working for NASA, the first thing that likely comes to mind is being an astronaut, but NASA offers many exciting careers that won’t involve going on a trip to space. While you can expect these positions to be highly competitive, with NASA holding applicants to a high standard, you have an opportunity to contribute to work that can affect humanity. Take a look at seven of the many NASA jobs you can pursue.

1. Aerospace engineer

Median annual US salary (BLS): $130,720 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 6 percent [3]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field

As an aerospace engineer, you would contribute to the design, development, and manufacturing of aeronautical and astronautical systems and spacecraft. The applications of this work include spacecraft, propulsion systems, satellites, and defense systems. Aerospace engineers may focus on a given field, such as structural design, guidance control systems, robotics, or aerodynamics. 

2. Atmospheric scientist

Median annual US salary (BLS): $92,860 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 4 percent [4]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related field. If you want to work in research positions, you will typically need a master’s or PhD.

Atmospheric scientists conduct research for the Atmospheric Science Branch at NASA focused on environmental and climatic issues. This includes monitoring conditions in the stratosphere and troposphere and learning more about chemical interactions in the stratosphere. In this position you would use satellites, radars, computers, and balloons to perform observations. 

3. Astronomer

Median annual US salary (BLS): $127,930 [5] 

OutlookJob outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 5 percent [6] 

Requirements: PhD in astronomy, physics, or a related field is typically required, with a bachelor’s or master’s degree being sufficient for some federal positions

Astronomers seek to improve the overall understanding of the universe by studying space objects, including planets and stars, as well as galaxies and black holes. This field of work requires you to collect and analyze large amounts of data acquired through research and observations to develop and test various theories. 

4. Electrical engineer 

Median annual US salary (BLS): $106,950  [7]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 5 percent [8]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or a similar engineering field

Electrical engineers focus on the optimization, design, and maintenance of electrical devices and systems, such as those in automobiles and aircraft. In this role, you could work on various electrical mechanisms including radar, navigation systems, and devices for generating power. Electronics engineers are similar to electrical engineers, but they focus on maintaining electrical components and circuits.

5. Aerospace technician

Median annual US salary (BLS): $77,830  [9]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 8 percent [9]

Requirements: Associate’s degree in engineering technology or completion of a certificate program

Success as an aerospace technician requires you to have knowledge of engineering and mechanical concepts. You will most likely meet with aerospace engineers to talk about the specifics and outcomes of testing processes. Additionally, you might construct and install components and systems that will be evaluated in test equipment. Aerospace technicians work to ensure spacecraft meet design specifications, determining the cause of problems while also testing prototypes. 

6. Mathematician

Median annual US salary (BLS): $104,860 [10]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 30 percent [11]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s or PhD in applied mathematics

Mathematicians use mathematical formulas to solve problems and predict how certain phenomena will behave or interact with one another. As a mathematician, you will create models and explore the relationship between different existing principles. At NASA, this work could include determining how different spacecraft will enter or exit the atmosphere.

7. Astrophysicist 

Median annual US salary (BLS): $149,5300 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 5 percent [6]

Requirements: PhD in physics, astronomy, or a similarly related field

Astrophysicists at NASA seek to discover how the universe works, from its origin and evolution to whether or not other planets are capable of supporting life. Your research as an astrophysicist would include complex topics such as dark matter, dark energy, black holes, galaxies, and exoplanets. 

Non-STEM positions at NASA

NASA is a large organization with positions available for individuals without a STEM education or background. Other positions at NASA include technical writers, public relations specialists, and photographers. Accountants, human resources specialists, and project managers are all needed to help NASA operate, so even if you aren’t experienced in the world of engineering and physics, NASA likely has opportunities for you.

Next steps on Coursera

NASA employs over 17,000 people in a diverse range of roles, from astrophysicists to human resource specialists, making opportunities available in all kinds of fields. 

Take the first step towards your career at NASA by exploring the many different applicable courses on Coursera. IBM's People and Soft Skills for Professional and Personal Success Specialization can be a great start for any professional career to sharpen your communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills, among others.

For a more STEM-oriented education, you can always consider completing the University of Colorado's Power Electronics Specialization or their Spacecraft Dynamics and Control Specialization. The first focuses on electrical engineering and the latter on physics—both competitive and in-demand fields at NASA and many other organizations. Complete them at your own pace and schedule on Coursera.