NASA astronauts, such as Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, do not receive special overtime pay for their time spent in space. They continue to earn their regular salary as federal employees, with NASA covering their living expenses on the International Space Station (ISS). The only additional compensation they receive is a small daily stipend for incidentals, amounting to just $4 per day.
During a 9-month mission, astronauts in the GS-15 pay grade can expect to earn a prorated salary between $93,850 – $122,004, in addition to the $1,148 incidental pay they receive. This brings their total earnings for the mission to an estimated $94,998 – $123,152.
It is important to note that NASA has clarified that the astronauts are not technically “stranded” on the ISS, as they are actively working. Despite the lack of special overtime pay for astronauts, they are compensated based on their federal employee status and pay grade. Colemen and Wilmore each received around $636 and $1,148, respectively, in extra pay during their extended missions in space.
While astronauts do not receive special compensation for their time in space, their regular salaries and limited incidental pay ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work on the ISS. NASA’s treatment of astronauts’ pay is in line with their status as federal employees.
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