Advancement Prospects
Advancement is not a formal procedure. Astronauts who are members of the military generally rise in rank when they become astronauts and as they gain experience. Those employed by the civil service may rise from the GS-11 to GS-14 rating. Those who gain experience as astronauts will likely work into positions of management as they retire from actual flight status. Some astronauts may direct future space programs or head space laboratories or factories. Some astronauts return to military service and may continue to rise in rank. As recognized public figures, astronauts can enter elected office and enjoy government and public speaking careers. Others can find employment in the private aeronautical industry.
Related Professions
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Technicians
- Aerospace Engineers
- Aerospace Medicine Physicians
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Astrobiologists
- Astrogeologists
- Astronomers
- Astrophysicists
- Avionics Engineers
- Avionics Technicians
- Biologists
- Build Reliability Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Chemists
- Computer Programmers
- Drone Engineers
- Drone Manufacturing Workers
- Drone Pilots
- Drone Repair Technicians
- Electrical Engineering Technologists
- Electrical Engineers
- Electronics Engineering Technicians
- Electronics Engineers
- Engineers
- Flight Instructors
- Geographic Information Systems Specialists
- Hypersonics Engineers
- Hypersonics Technicians
- Industrial Engineers
- Laboratory Testing Technicians
- Manufacturing Engineering Technologists
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Materials Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
- Physicists
- Pilots
- Reusable Spacecraft System Designers and Engineers
- Robotics Engineers
- Robotics Technicians
- Space Habitat Designers
- Space Lawyers
- Space Meteorologist
- Space Pilots
- Space Port Managers
- Space Systems Operators
- Space Tourism Managers
- Spacecraft Test Technicians