NASA is recruiting astronauts for Moon and Mars missions with a $164K salary.

NASA is now recruiting its next class of astronauts, giving qualified applicants the opportunity to earn roughly $164,000 a year while training for future missions to the moon and Mars. The space agency announced on Nov. 7 that applications are open through Dec.

3 as it continues to expand its Artemis program and push toward a sustained human presence on the moon, according to NASA. The available positions come with an estimated annual salary of $164,395, and those selected may take part in lunar exploration, work at a future moon base, and help develop technology for eventual crewed missions to Mars, Business Insider reports. To apply, candidates must be U.S.

citizens with a master’s degree in a qualifying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field. In some cases, certain medical degrees, doctoral coursework, or test pilot training may also meet the educational requirements. Applicants also need at least three years of relevant professional experience or specific flight experience.

In addition, they must pass NASA’s long-duration astronaut physical and show strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. The competition is expected to be extremely tough. NASA received more than 8,000 applications during its 2024 recruitment cycle but selected only 10 astronaut candidates in 2025.

The agency currently has 32 active astronauts. According to the outlet, the selection process includes extensive medical, psychological, and security screenings. Candidates must also be ready for demanding schedules, dangerous conditions, and long stretches away from home.

Those chosen will complete about two years of training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they will learn skills such as spacewalking, spacecraft operations, and lunar geology. The recruitment effort comes as NASA moves forward with plans to return astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time in more than 50 years. NASA expects to announce its next astronaut class in late 2027, with training set to begin in 2028.

Interested applicants can review the qualifications and submit their applications through NASA’s astronaut recruitment website by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Dec. 3.

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