Astronaut

Astronauts travel to space to carry out scientific research, conduct experiments and explore. They train for years to operate spacecraft, live in extreme conditions and work in zero gravity. It's a rare career that takes years of hard work in science, maths and physical training to achieve.

Astronaut

19

Engineering and Technology

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO19%moving to64%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £50,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.
This job holds up well against AI
AI cannot yet do much of what this job actually involves, and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPTrainee AstronautAs a trainee astronaut, you'll undergo rigorous training, including simulations, physical fitness programs, and learning about spacecraft systems. You'll be preparing for the challenges of space missions.£30,000 - £50,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMission SpecialistIn this role, you'll be part of a crew on space missions, conducting experiments, and operating spacecraft systems. You'll work closely with scientists and engineers to ensure mission success.£60,000 - £90,000
3PEAK CAREERCommanderAt the peak of your career, you'll lead space missions, making critical decisions and ensuring the safety of your crew. You'll be a key figure in advancing human exploration of space.£100,000+
Careermash

Careermash: navigate your career path with real data. Explore career profiles, salary benchmarks, AI impact forecasts, and the qualifications you need to get there.


AI EXPOSURE = the share of a job's day-to-day tasks AI can already do today, from the same exposure engine used across this site (Anthropic labour market research, 2026, observed real-world AI usage by occupation). Higher means more exposed. It is a measurement of now, not a prediction. THE DOOR = how hard the job is to get into, grade A (easy) to E (extremely hard), from each career's published forecast (OpenAI, "The AI Jobs Transition Framework", Richmond 2026, CC BY 4.0). A card marked MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIED has a real exposure score but no entry yet in our moat register, so we make no claim about what structurally protects it. Scorecard grades and verdicts are Careermash editorial judgment: we show forecasts as forecasts and own our conclusions. Salary and pathway figures are each career's own published profile. Careermash is a service provided by What School Ltd.

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