Astronaut
Also known as: shuttle pilot, science officer, space shuttle crew member, spacecraft pilot, commander astronaut, pilot cosmonaut
About this occupation
Astronauts are crew members commanding spacecrafts for operations beyond low Earth orbit or higher than the regular altitude reached by commercial flights. They orbit the Earth in order to perform operations such as scientific research and experiments, launching or release of satellites, and building of space stations.
Essential skills and knowledge
- geographic information systems
- perform scientific experiments in space
- collect geological data
- operate 3D computer graphics software
- interpret graphical communication interfaces
- conduct research on climate processes
- operate GPS systems
- launching of satellites into orbit
- types of satellites
- gather experimental data
- perform gravity measurements
- physics
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (O*NET 53-2011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
- Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
- Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
- Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$232,140 a year (2025), 103,560 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyVery important (3.7)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.7)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.3)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Commercial Pilots
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Airfield Operations Specialists
- Aircraft Service Attendants
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Aviation Inspectors
- Locomotive Engineers
- First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
- Aerospace Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.