# NASA hires astronauts for moon missions with $165,000 salary

> NASA seeks new astronauts to live and work on the moon with $164,395 annual salary.
- Title: NASA hires astronauts for moon missions with $165,000 salary
- Summary: NASA seeks new astronauts to live and work on the moon with $164,395 annual salary.
- Keywords: nasa, moon missions, astronaut, stem degree, space exploration, salary, us citizenship, professional experience, astronaut training, Dailymail
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/sciencetech/article-16277713/NASA-hiring-new-astronauts-live-work-MOON.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-11-09T11:13:11+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nasa, moon missions, astronaut, stem degree, space exploration, salary, us citizenship, professional experience, astronaut training, news, entertainment
## NASA hires astronauts for moon missions
NASA is hiring new astronauts to live and work on the moon with a $164,395 annual salary.
## Application deadline for moon missions
Applications open now until 11:59pm EST on December 3 for moon missions.
## Basic requirements for moon astronauts
Candidates need US citizenship and a master's degree in a STEM field.
## Alternative qualifications for STEM degrees
Two years of doctoral work, medical degrees, or Test Pilot School completion count as master's degrees.
## Professional experience needed
At least three years of related professional experience after qualifying education.
## Flight experience requirements
Pilots need 750 hours in high-performance jets or 1,500 total flight hours in fixed-wing aircraft.
## Physical and medical standards
Candidates must meet strict medical and security clearances, plus physical standards.
## Mission challenges
Astronauts will work in dangerous, life-threatening situations and confined spaces for long periods.
## Isolation and separation requirements
Candidates must be willing to deploy for 12 months or longer with extreme isolation and separation from loved ones.
## Training program duration
Selected candidates undergo a two-year training program before final selection.
## Historical context of astronaut selection
NASA has selected over 370 astronauts since the 1960s, with the last round in 2024.
## Public interest in moon missions
Aspiring astronauts on X have expressed interest, including those with no professional qualifications.
## Key takeaway

NASA is hiring astronauts to live and work on the moon with a $164,395 salary per year, requiring US citizenship, a STEM degree, and professional experience.