How much does a NASA engineer make in 2026? Quick salary lookup
NASA engineers are paid on the federal General Schedule (GS) with locality pay adjustments. A mid-career NASA engineer earns approximately $103,000–$160,000 depending on grade, step, and location.
Salary by grade (Houston, 35% locality)
| Grade | Entry Salary | Top Step | Typical Engineer Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | $58,193 | $75,653 | New hire with BS degree |
| GS-9 | $71,181 | $92,541 | 1 year experience or MS degree |
| GS-11 | $86,123 | $111,966 | 2–3 years or PhD |
| GS-12 | $103,225 | $134,195 | Journey-level (3–5 years) |
| GS-13 | $122,749 | $159,575 | Senior engineer (5+ years) |
| GS-14 | $145,052 | $188,573 | Branch chief / tech lead |
| GS-15 | $170,618 | $197,200 | Division chief (salary cap) |
Most NASA engineers spend the majority of their career at GS-13, advancing through 10 steps over approximately 18 years.
Location matters significantly
The same GS-13 Step 1 pays differently at every NASA center:
| Center | Locality % | GS-13 Step 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Ames (Mountain View, CA) | 44.15% | ~$131,000 |
| JSC (Houston, TX) | 35.00% | $122,749 |
| GSFC (Greenbelt, MD) | 33.94% | $121,785 |
| MSFC (Huntsville, AL) | 21.91% | $110,847 |
| SSC (Stennis, MS) | ~18% | ~$107,000 |
Higher locality pay doesn't mean more purchasing power — it reflects higher cost of living in that area.
The $58K–$197K range spans a 23-year career from a new BS graduate (GS-7 Step 1) to a senior division chief at the pay cap (GS-15 Step 10). Most working engineers fall in the $100K–$160K range at GS-12 and GS-13. See our year-by-year progression guide for the full trajectory.
Total compensation beyond base salary
NASA's benefits add approximately $30K–$50K in annual value:
- FERS pension: ~1% per year of service × high-3 salary (30 years = 30% of final salary, for life)
- TSP match: Government matches 5% of salary
- Health insurance: FEHB covers ~70% of premiums, continues in retirement
- Leave: 13–26 days annual + 13 sick days
- Student loan help: Up to $10K/year repayment assistance
For detailed salary tables by center and grade, see our NASA engineer salary guide. For aerospace-specific pay, see our NASA aerospace engineer salary breakdown.
Browse NASA positions on Zero G Talent, or see our NASA careers guide and astronaut salary guide.