How much does an aerospace engineer make at NASA in 2026? GS grades, locality pay, and total compensation
Aerospace engineers are the backbone of NASA's technical workforce. They design spacecraft, analyze structural loads on launch vehicles, develop thermal protection systems for planetary entry, run computational fluid dynamics simulations, and test propulsion systems that will carry the next generation of explorers to the Moon and beyond. In 2026, NASA employs thousands of aerospace engineers across its 10 field centers, and their compensation follows the transparent, structured General Schedule pay system that governs all federal civil servants.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of what NASA pays its aerospace engineers in 2026, from entry-level GS-11 positions through senior GS-15 technical leads, with locality-adjusted figures for every major NASA center.
Aerospace engineer GS grades at NASA
NASA hires aerospace engineers at grades ranging from GS-7 (entry-level with a bachelor's) to GS-15 (senior technical authority). The most common working grades are GS-11 through GS-14:
| GS Grade | 2026 Base (Step 1) | 2026 Base (Step 10) | Typical Role at NASA |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | $43,106 | $56,039 | Pathways intern, co-op student |
| GS-9 | $52,727 | $68,549 | Recent graduate (BS, high GPA) |
| GS-11 | $63,795 | $82,938 | Entry-level engineer (MS) or 2 years experience |
| GS-12 | $76,463 | $99,404 | Journey-level engineer, independent contributor |
| GS-13 | $90,925 | $118,204 | Senior engineer, subsystem lead |
| GS-14 | $107,446 | $139,684 | Branch chief, technical lead, project engineer |
| GS-15 | $126,384 | $164,301 | Division chief, program manager, senior technical authority |
Most aerospace engineers with a master's degree enter NASA at GS-11. Those with a PhD typically start at GS-12 or occasionally GS-13 if they have significant post-doctoral experience. Engineers with only a bachelor's degree may start at GS-7 or GS-9, depending on GPA and relevant experience.
Progression through the grades
GS-11 to GS-12 (1–2 years): This promotion is nearly automatic for engineers meeting performance standards. The GS-11/12 career ladder allows NASA to hire at GS-11 with a pre-approved promotion to GS-12 without competition.
GS-12 to GS-13 (2–4 years): This is the standard full-performance level for experienced NASA engineers. Promotion typically requires demonstrating independent technical judgment and contributing meaningfully to program objectives.
GS-13 to GS-14 (varies): The first competitive promotion. GS-14 positions are limited and typically require supervisory or significant technical leadership responsibilities. Not all engineers reach GS-14.
GS-14 to GS-15 (varies): These positions are scarce and highly competitive. GS-15 aerospace engineers serve as division chiefs, program managers, or recognized agency-level technical authorities.
Many excellent aerospace engineers spend the bulk of their NASA career at GS-13. This is not a sign of stagnation — GS-13 is the intended full-performance grade for technical professionals. At GS-13 Step 10 with Houston locality pay, an aerospace engineer earns approximately $159,575 per year, which is a highly competitive salary. The jump to GS-14 usually requires a conscious decision to take on management or cross-program leadership roles.
Salary by NASA center (with locality pay)
Locality pay transforms the base GS salary into the actual take-home figure. Here is what a GS-13 Step 5 aerospace engineer earns at each major NASA center in 2026:
| NASA Center | Locality Rate | GS-11 Step 1 | GS-13 Step 5 | GS-15 Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames Research Center (Mountain View, CA) | 45.25% | $92,713 | $148,500 | $197,200* |
| Jet Propulsion Lab (Pasadena, CA) | 36.68% | $87,185 | $139,700 | $197,200* |
| Johnson Space Center (Houston, TX) | 35.00% | $86,123 | $138,000 | $197,200* |
| Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD) | 33.94% | $85,445 | $137,000 | $197,200* |
| Langley Research Center (Hampton, VA) | 28.42% | $81,924 | $131,200 | $197,200* |
| Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, AL) | 25.41% | $80,004 | $128,200 | $197,200* |
| Glenn Research Center (Cleveland, OH) | 24.83% | $79,635 | $127,600 | $197,200* |
| Kennedy Space Center (Merritt Island, FL) | 17.06% | $74,678 | $119,700 | $192,326 |
| Stennis Space Center (Bay St. Louis, MS) | 17.06% | $74,678 | $119,700 | $192,326 |
*Capped at $197,200 (SES Level 4 rate).
The difference between the highest and lowest-paying centers is substantial. A GS-13 Step 5 aerospace engineer at Ames earns nearly $29,000 more than the same grade and step at Kennedy Space Center. However, the Bay Area's housing costs are dramatically higher, so purchasing power does not scale linearly with salary.
Total compensation analysis
Cash salary is only one component of NASA compensation. The federal benefits package adds significant value:
For a GS-13 Step 5 in Houston ($138,000 base)
| Component | Annual Value |
|---|---|
| Locality-adjusted salary | $138,000 |
| TSP match (5% of salary) | $6,900 |
| FERS pension accrual (estimated) | $12,000 |
| FEHB health insurance subsidy | $17,500 |
| Annual leave (20 days at mid-career) | $10,600 value |
| Sick leave (13 days) | $6,900 value |
| Estimated total compensation | $191,900 |
When all benefits are included, the total value of NASA aerospace engineer compensation at GS-13 approaches $192,000 — a figure that is competitive with total compensation at most defense contractors and within 15–20% of what SpaceX offers at equivalent experience levels.
The FERS pension alone is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars over a career. An aerospace engineer who works at NASA for 30 years at an average high-three salary of $160,000 would receive a pension of $48,000 per year for life — plus cost-of-living adjustments. This pension has no equivalent at SpaceX, Blue Origin, or any commercial aerospace company. When evaluating a NASA offer against private-sector alternatives, the pension's present value should be factored into the comparison.
Entry-level aerospace engineer salary at NASA
For recent graduates, the starting salary depends on education and prior experience:
Bachelor's degree (BS in Aerospace Engineering):
- GS-7 Step 1 with Houston locality: ~$58,200
- GS-9 Step 1 with Houston locality (superior academic achievement, GPA 3.0+): ~$71,200
Master's degree (MS in Aerospace Engineering):
- GS-9 Step 1 with Houston locality: ~$71,200
- GS-11 Step 1 with Houston locality: ~$86,100
PhD (in Aerospace Engineering or related field):
- GS-11 Step 1 with Houston locality: ~$86,100
- GS-12 Step 1 with Houston locality (with postdoc or experience): ~$103,200
NASA can also negotiate a higher starting step (up to Step 10) for candidates with superior qualifications or for hard-to-fill positions. A PhD with five years of post-doctoral research experience might negotiate a GS-12 Step 4 or 5 start, significantly above the step 1 base.
What aerospace engineers actually do at NASA
The title "aerospace engineer" at NASA encompasses a wide range of specializations:
Structures and materials: Analyzing spacecraft structural loads, designing composite structures, ensuring hardware survives launch vibration and thermal cycling.
Propulsion: Designing and testing rocket engines, managing the propulsion systems for launch vehicles (SLS) and spacecraft (Orion service module).
Thermal systems: Managing heat transfer in spacecraft, designing thermal protection systems for atmospheric entry (like the Orion heat shield), and controlling temperatures for instruments in the vacuum of space.
Aerodynamics and entry systems: CFD analysis, wind tunnel testing, and designing vehicles that must survive hypersonic entry into planetary atmospheres.
Systems engineering: Integrating hardware, software, and operational concepts across entire spacecraft systems, managing requirements, and conducting design reviews.
Mission design: Planning trajectories, orbital maneuvers, and mission profiles. (For more on this specialty, see our guide to flight dynamics engineering.)
How NASA aerospace engineer pay compares
| Employer | Entry AE Salary | Mid-Career AE Salary | Senior AE Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASA (civil servant) | $71K–$86K | $120K–$145K | $160K–$197K |
| SpaceX | $85K–$105K | $130K–$165K | $170K–$230K |
| Lockheed Martin | $78K–$95K | $115K–$148K | $150K–$195K |
| Boeing | $78K–$95K | $110K–$145K | $148K–$195K |
| Northrop Grumman | $76K–$92K | $108K–$140K | $145K–$190K |
| NASA (contractor, e.g., Jacobs/KBR) | $75K–$95K | $110K–$145K | $150K–$200K+ |
NASA's base salary is competitive with defense prime contractors and slightly below SpaceX. However, when total compensation (including pension and benefits) is factored in, NASA's package at the mid-career GS-13 level is essentially equivalent to Lockheed Martin and Boeing, and within 10–15% of SpaceX (excluding SpaceX equity).
For a broader perspective on NASA compensation, see our guides on whether NASA pays well and the highest paying jobs at NASA.
How to get hired as an aerospace engineer at NASA
NASA hires aerospace engineers through two primary channels:
USAJobs.gov: All federal positions are posted on USAJobs. Search for "aerospace engineer" with NASA as the agency filter. Pay attention to the specific GS grade, duty station, and any special requirements (clearance, citizenship).
Pathways Program: For students and recent graduates, the Pathways Internship Program and Recent Graduates Program provide direct hiring pathways into permanent GS positions. Pathways interns can be non-competitively converted to permanent positions upon completion of their degree.
Key hiring tips:
- Federal resumes are much more detailed than private-sector resumes — include hours per week, supervisor contact information, and detailed accomplishment statements
- Apply to multiple centers, as hiring needs vary by location and program
- If you are a veteran, leverage veterans' preference points and special hiring authorities
- Consider starting as a NASA contractor (through companies like Jacobs, KBR, or Leidos) and transitioning to civil service later
Browse current NASA aerospace engineering positions or explore all aerospace engineering jobs in the space industry on Zero G Talent.
FAQ
What GS grade do most NASA aerospace engineers work at?
GS-13 is the most common grade for experienced NASA aerospace engineers. It is the full-performance level for technical professionals and represents the standard grade for engineers with 5–15 years of experience who are not in supervisory positions.
Can I negotiate a higher starting salary at NASA?
You cannot negotiate the GS base rate (which is fixed by grade and step), but you can negotiate a higher starting step within your grade. NASA can offer up to Step 10 for candidates with superior qualifications. Additionally, recruitment bonuses of up to 25% of base salary may be available for hard-to-fill positions.
How long does it take to reach GS-13 at NASA?
Most aerospace engineers reach GS-13 within 5–8 years of joining NASA, depending on their starting grade. An engineer who enters at GS-11 and progresses through a career ladder position can reach GS-13 in approximately 4–5 years.
Do NASA aerospace engineers need security clearance?
Most NASA civil servant aerospace engineering positions do not require security clearance, as NASA's work is predominantly unclassified. However, some positions that involve defense partnerships, sensitive technology, or restricted-access facilities may require Secret or Top Secret clearance.
Is it better to work at NASA as a civil servant or contractor?
Both have advantages. Civil servants receive better benefits (pension, TSP matching, job security) and have more authority in technical decisions. Contractors may earn slightly higher base salaries, have more position flexibility, and can change programs without a formal competitive process. Many aerospace engineers work as contractors for several years before converting to civil service.
