Artemis II astronauts break distance record; not the pay scale: Here’s how much they’ll earn after reaching home

Artemis II is now on its way home after breaking the record for the farthest distance humans have flown from Earth by travelling around the far side of the moon. Four astronauts, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen, are on board and expected to splash down off the coast of San Diego at approximately 8:07 p.m. on Friday, April 10.

Given the hazards involved, along with the years of training and expertise required to journey into space, it would be reasonable to assume Artemis II astronauts are exceptionally well compensated. Yet, despite the global attention, the astronauts are likely paid the same as many of their lower-profile colleagues.



Like most government roles, NASA salaries follow a standardized pay scale. The space agency’s website stated that the annual salary for astronauts in 2024 was approximately US$152,258. It added that the rate would be adjusted to reflect any increases in pay schedules, meaning this number may have gone up over the past two years.

That salary remains the same whether astronauts are on Earth or in space, and they do not get extra pay for overtime or for going on missions, noted the National Post. Canadian astronauts reportedly also receive a similar salary, suggesting Jeremy Hansen earns roughly in line with his crewmates.

In 2023, the Canadian Space Agency revealed that astronauts’ salaries range from $97,100 to $189,600. As per the Canadian Space Agency, the astronauts’ salary scale is divided into three levels: entry, qualified, and senior.

The highest pay band is reserved for astronauts who have successfully completed a space mission. The mission also marks Hansen’s first journey into space and makes him the first Canadian to join a lunar mission.