NASA reduction in force in 2025–2026: what's happening
NASA is experiencing its most significant workforce reduction since the post-Apollo era. The agency's civil servant workforce is contracting from approximately 18,000 to a target of fewer than 12,000.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | First deferred resignation program — ~1,500 employees leave |
| June 2025 | Second deferred resignation round — ~2,300 additional departures |
| FY2026 budget proposal | 24% cut: ~$25B to ~$19B. Science division faces 50% cut |
| Late 2025 | Hiring freeze in effect agency-wide |
| 2026 target | Fewer than 12,000 civil servants (lowest since Apollo) |
Impact by area
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Science Mission Directorate | 50% proposed budget cut |
| Astrophysics division | ~70% proposed cut |
| JPL (Caltech-managed) | Four rounds of layoffs since early 2024; ~6,400 down to ~5,000 |
| Collective bargaining | Cancelled via executive order |
What this means for job seekers
NASA civil servant positions: Extremely limited new hiring. The agency-wide hiring freeze means very few new GS positions will open in 2026.
NASA contractor jobs: Contractors (Jacobs, KBR, SAIC, Leidos) may also face cuts as programs lose funding, but contractor hiring is program-specific and less affected by the federal hiring freeze.
Alternative paths: Other space employers (SpaceX, Blue Origin, Northrop, Lockheed) are not affected by NASA's budget situation. Defense-related space programs continue to grow.
The FY2026 budget proposal is subject to Congressional action. Final funding levels may differ from the proposal. Monitor NASA's budget status and check usajobs.gov for any new civil servant postings.
See our NASA careers guide and NASA engineer salary guide. Browse NASA positions on Zero G Talent.
