What is Sunita Williams’ salary and what perks does NASA offer?

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has been in the news for many months ever since she and her colleague Butch Wilmore got stuck in space months ago after rocketing into orbit on Boeing’s Starliner capsule. Now, NASA has announced that she will be back on Earth during spring.

A retired US Navy Captain of Indian-origin, Williams was selected by NASA in 1998 and has made significant contributions to space exploration in her over two-decade career at the agency.

Beyond the thrill of space travel, Williams’ role as an astronaut comes with generous financial compensation as well as benefits from NASA.

As a NASA astronaut, Williams falls under the US government’s General Schedule (GS) pay scale, specifically within the grades GS-13 to GS-15.

The compensation of astronauts depends on their experience and mission responsibilities.

In 2024, salaries for astronauts range from anywhere between $84,365 to $115,079 annually, depending on the pay grade.

For example, GS-13 astronauts can earn between $81,216 and $105,579 annually, while GS-15 astronauts—those with significant experience—can earn up to $146,757 per year.

In terms of rupees, this comes to anywhere between Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1.27 crore annually under the GS pay scale.

But along with her salary, Williams also enjoys a host of other perks. For example, astronauts like Williams get comprehensive health insurance covered entirely by NASA.

The insurance supports astronauts through the physical challenges of space travel and ensures they are covered if any medical issues arise during their missions.

The space agency also offers advanced training programs to ensure astronauts are prepared for the unique conditions of space, including spacewalks, scientific experiments and emergency protocols.

Besides training and health benefits, NASA also arranges psychological support for astronauts and their families before, during and after each mission.

This is done to ensure that astronauts like Williams can cope with the isolation, stress and demands of extended space travel. Such training is necessary in situations like the one Williams is currently in.

Communication with family and friends is another key benefit, as astronauts have access to calls and care packages while aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Despite the support, being an astronaut comes with its own set of challenges. Williams’ mission, which began in June 2024, was initially planned as an 8-day trip aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.

However, due to technical issues with the spacecraft, the mission has been extended multiple times. The latest delay means she and her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore will remain in space until at least March 2025, a full 10 months after their launch.

NASA’s decision to delay their return is due to the need to prepare a new SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule for their replacement. The mission was initially scheduled for a February return, but the new crew launch was delayed due to safety precautions.