Astronaut
19AI EXPOSURE TODAY19
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST64%
NOT A FORECAST64%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £50,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY →
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.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (19), 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+
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Astronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£41,500 median
🎓Electrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Electronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Mechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
All Engineering and Technology courses as cards →
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Music TechnologyLeeds Beckett University · DegreeAstronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · DegreeElectrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · DegreeElectronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · DegreeMechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · DegreeMechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · Degree