Overview of NASA Systems Engineer Salary
If you’re interested in becoming a NASA systems engineer, one of the most frequently asked questions is about the salary that comes with the position. Typically, NASA systems engineers are well-paid, but the salary varies depending on several factors like seniority, experience, location, and qualifications. In this article, you’ll learn more about the average NASA systems engineer salary and the factors that affect it.
The average salary for a NASA systems engineer is around $97,000 annually, with some engineers earning as much as $150,000 or more. The salary of a NASA systems engineer is significantly higher compared to other engineering professions. NASA systems engineers are considered some of the most vital personnel when it comes to maintaining and improving NASA’s various projects, so it’s no surprise that they are well-compensated.
The educational qualification of a NASA systems engineer is a critical factor in determining their salary. A systems engineer holding a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in engineering typically commands a higher salary than those with only a bachelor’s degree. The experience of the systems engineer will also play an essential role in determining their salary. A junior systems engineer can earn up to $72,000 annually, while experienced ones can earn over $120,000.
The location where a systems engineer works is another factor that will impact their salary. A systems engineer based in Houston will earn almost $15,000 more annually than a developer working in other parts of the country. A NASA systems engineer working in the San Francisco Bay Area can earn 31% above the national average, while those who work in Huntsville, Alabama, earn 15% less than the national average. Besides, the cost of living in a certain city will also play a role in the amount of salary a systems engineer takes home.
The seniority of a NASA systems engineer will also affect their salary. More experienced engineers will typically earn more than newbies. NASA systems engineers that hold higher seniority positions like lead systems engineer, chief systems engineer, or senior systems engineer receive significantly higher salaries. For instance, a lead systems engineer can earn well over $120,000 annually.
In conclusion, the salary of a NASA systems engineer is typically higher compared to other engineering professions, with an average annual salary of $97,000. Several factors play a significant role in determining the salary of a NASA systems engineer, such as location, experience level, seniority, and educational qualifications.
Factors Affecting NASA Systems Engineer Salary
Being a Systems Engineer at NASA is a highly coveted job. The exciting prospects of contributing towards space exploration, the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology, and the chance to be a part of the historic legacy of NASA, make this profession a dream job for most engineers. However, one must consider all factors before making any career choices. While being a NASA Systems Engineer comes with many perks, including an excellent benefits package, a good work-life balance, and the opportunity to work with brilliant minds, the salary of a Systems Engineer at NASA varies on several factors.
It is a well-established fact that the salary of a Systems Engineer can vary depending upon the education level, the number of years of experience, the specialty area, and the geographic location. As an entry-level engineer, the salary may be lower, but with experience and the opportunity to become senior engineers, the salary can increase significantly. Let’s discuss these factors in detail:
Education Level
The higher the degree, the higher the pay. A Systems Engineer that holds a Master’s or Doctorate degree will earn more compared to an engineer with only a Bachelor’s degree. Generally, engineers with higher education are hired for specialized roles that demand advanced skills and in-depth knowledge, and they are usually tasked with the most complicated responsibilities.
Number of Years of Experience
The number of years of experience is another important factor that affects a Systems Engineer’s salary. For instance, an entry-level Systems Engineer with no experience at NASA earns around $68,000 per annum; however, with an experience of 10-19 years, the salary can reach about $124,000. Additionally, senior Systems Engineers with 20+ years of experience can earn more than $160,000 annually.
Specialty Area
The field of Systems Engineering is vast, and there are different areas of specialization that engineers can work in at NASA such as electronics, robotics, software engineering, Space Travel, Propulsion, and Aerospace. The more emerging or in-demand the specialty area is, the higher the salary will be. Additionally, if an engineer holds certifications in particular specialties that the company requires, then they can earn a higher salary package.
Geographic Location
The geographic location of the job is another key factor in determining the salary of a Systems Engineer. The cost of living varies by location, and thus, the salary differs too. If the job location is in an expensive city like San Francisco or New York City, the salary offered will be higher than a similar position in Albuquerque or other low-cost urban areas.
In summary, if you are considering pursuing a career as a Systems Engineer at NASA, it is essential to understand the factors that affect your salary. While the salary definitely depends on education level, experience, specialty area, and geographic location, the average salary of a NASA Systems Engineer is about $93,000 per annum. Nevertheless, the opportunity to be a part of an exceptional team and work on cutting-edge technology while contributing to space exploration is worth more than just a salary.
Different Types of NASA Systems Engineers and Their Salaries
NASA has a wide range of systems engineering roles, from aerospace engineering experts to software engineering wizards. Below, we explore the three different types of NASA Systems Engineers and their respective salary ranges.
Aerospace Systems Engineer
An Aerospace Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supervising the installation of flight and space vehicles and their internal subsystems. They design spacecraft structures, propulsion systems, guidance systems, and environmental control systems that need to withstand the harsh conditions of space. Aerospace Systems Engineers are some of the most highly paid professionals at NASA. Their salary can range from $85,000 to $160,000 per year, depending on their level of experience and expertise.
Electronics Systems Engineer
Electronics Systems Engineers develop and design complex electronic circuits and systems for use in aerospace and defense. They are responsible for designing and testing spacecraft electronics, satellite communication systems, and astronaut spacesuits, among other things. An Electronics Systems Engineer’s salary at NASA can range from $75,000 per year for a junior position to $140,000 for a more experienced professional.
Software Systems Engineer
Software Systems Engineers are responsible for the development and implementation of software applications that meet the needs of NASA’s mission-critical systems. This includes the development of complex algorithms for autonomous spacecraft flight, the design of spacecraft control software, and the development of navigation and communication software. Software Systems Engineers make up a huge part of any NASA mission team, and their salaries can range from $70,000 per year for a junior engineer to over $150,000 per year for experienced professionals.
In conclusion, NASA offers a range of high-quality systems engineering roles, which demand a high level of expertise and experience. Salaries at NASA typically range between $75,000 to $175,000, depending on the type of NASA Systems Engineer and their level of experience. If you have a keen interest in space technology or engineering, joining NASA as a Systems Engineer could mean a rewarding and exciting career path!
Comparison of NASA Systems Engineer Salary with Other Engineering Fields
NASA systems engineering is one of the most interesting and challenging fields of engineering in the world. With such significant responsibility, the engineers in this field are highly compensated. However, like any other engineering field, NASA systems engineering is just one of many disciplines in the engineering field. This article is going to compare the salary of a NASA Systems Engineer with that of other engineering fields.
1. Comparison with Aerospace Engineers
Aerospace engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the development, design, and construction of aircraft, space vehicles, satellites, and defense systems. It is related to NASA system engineering since NASA builds spacecraft and launches them into space for research purposes. In terms of salaries, Aerospace Engineering intersects with NASA system engineering, and there are a lot of similarities. The average salary for an Aerospace Engineer in the United States is around $118,000 per year. On the other hand, a NASA Systems Engineer’s salary is $83,954 per year. However, a Senior Aerospace Engineer in the United States can make up to $164,000 per year – a higher salary compared to that of a Senior Systems Engineer in NASA.
2. Comparison with Computer Engineers
Computer engineering deals with the development, design, and building of computer systems. These are the systems responsible for running computer hardware and software, and they form the backbone of modern technology. The average salary for a Computer Engineer in the United States is $77,160 per year. This is lower than the average salary for a NASA Systems Engineer, but it is important to consider that computer engineering is a much broader field, encompassing a wide variety of job descriptions and specialties. Moreover, computer engineers work outside the aerospace industry, which makes it possible for them to be paid less than NASA engineers.
3. Comparison with Civil Engineers
Civil engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure. Civil Engineers work on roads, bridges, buildings, and other public infrastructure systems. These types of projects are often not directly related to the aerospace industry. The average salary for a Civil Engineer in the United States is $87,000 per year. Once again, this is higher than the salary of a NASA Systems Engineer, but it is essential to realize that civil engineering is a broad field, encompassing a wide variety of job descriptions and specialties. Additionally, civil engineering does not pay as much as other engineering fields such as aerospace engineering, and this is why NASA systems engineering might be more lucrative in some cases.
4. Comparison with Electrical Engineers
Electrical engineering deals with the study of electronics, electricity, and electromagnetism. These engineers design and develop electrical equipment such as electrical machinery, electric power systems, and electronics. The average salary for an Electrical Engineer in the United States is $75,000 per year. This is less than the average salary for a NASA Systems Engineer, but, like computer engineering, the field of electrical engineering is diverse. It is necessary to consider that electrical engineers often work outside the aerospace industry, which makes it possible for them to be paid less than NASA engineers.
In conclusion, while NASA system engineering might not offer the highest pay on this list, it is one of the most exciting and engaging careers for engineers. It takes a keen eye for detail and high engineering skills to excel in this field. NASA engineer salaries can vary, and it is important to take into consideration the level of experience, the job description, and the specific engineering field.
Future Outlook for NASA Systems Engineer Salary
Systems engineering is an incredibly important field in the aerospace industry. NASA’s systems engineers design, develop, and operate the complex systems that enable their missions to succeed. The future outlook for NASA systems engineer salary is bright, with an increasing demand for skilled engineers in this field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the employment of aerospace engineers, including systems engineers, is projected to grow 3% over the next ten years, slightly slower than the average for all occupations. Nevertheless, this growth is still projected to result in about 6,200 new jobs in the field.
One driver of this demand for systems engineers is the continued interest in space exploration. As more companies and countries invest in space exploration, there will be a need for skilled engineers to design and operate the systems that enable these missions. For example, in 2020, NASA announced a plan to return astronauts to the Moon by 2024, which will require a team of engineers and scientists to design, build, and operate the systems needed for the mission.
Another factor contributing to the demand for systems engineers is the ongoing innovation in aerospace technology. As new technology is developed, there are constantly new challenges and opportunities for systems engineers to design and optimize the systems that enable it. For example, the increasing interest in commercial space travel and exploration has created new opportunities for systems engineers to design and operate the systems needed for these missions.
As demand for systems engineers increases, so too does the salary potential for those in this field. According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a NASA systems engineer is $108,000 per year, with additional compensation averaging $6,000 per year in bonuses and $7,000 per year in profit-sharing. This puts the total average compensation for a NASA systems engineer at around $121,000 per year.
However, it’s worth noting that salary potential can vary depending on a number of factors, including years of experience, level of education, and specific job responsibilities. For example, a systems engineer with a Ph.D. and several years of experience will likely earn a higher salary than a systems engineer with only a Bachelor’s degree and minimal experience.
Additionally, location can also impact salary potential. Systems engineers working in areas with a higher cost of living, such as in California or Washington D.C., may earn a higher salary than those working in areas with a lower cost of living.
Overall, the future outlook for NASA systems engineer salary is positive. As demand for systems engineers in the aerospace industry increases, salaries are likely to follow suit, with opportunities for skilled engineers to earn high salaries and meaningful work in an exciting and growing field.