Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 98'750 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 107'000 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 119'750 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 24'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsChemistry & Physics
Astronaut/in
You explore outer space. You conduct scientific experiments in orbit.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
You train for weightlessness. You operate space stations. You run research projects in space.
The path to the stars requires discipline and expertise. You prepare intensively for missions. You train for extreme conditions. You operate highly complex technology. In space, you conduct scientific experiments. You maintain the station systems. After returning, you analyse data. You share your unique experiences with the public.
FieldChemistry & Physics
Education pathHigher Education Profession
IndustryAviation
Swissdoc 0.160.44.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
No verified Swiss salary data is available for this profession yet.
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Astronaut/in.
Salary trend
-73% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 90'500 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 130'000 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 24'000 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
- 🎓 Abschluss der ESA
Official education path
Training takes place in three phases. It includes basic training, advanced training, and mission-specific training.
Typical training path
Abschluss der ESA
Curriculum
- Astronomie
- Astrophysik
- Luft- und Raumfahrttechnik
- Raketenbau, Raketentechnik
- Aerodynamik, Aeromechanik
- Avionik (Fluggerätetechnik)
- Technische Physik und Mathematik
- Triebwerkstechnik, Antriebstechnik
- Bordelektronik, GPS, Satelliten und Funksysteme
- Mess-, Steuer-, Regeltechnik
- Pneumatik, Hydraulik
- Wartung, Reparatur
- Technische Dokumentation
Prerequisites
- University degree in a natural science (e.g. physics, biology, chemistry or mathematics), engineering or medicine
- At least 3 years of professional experience or flight experience as a pilot
- Good oral and written English skills
- Passed ESA medical examination
Requirements
- Analytical-conceptual skills
- Stress resistance
- Physical resilience
- Technical understanding
- Strong teamwork skills
- Networked thinking and action
- Precise way of working
- High sense of responsibility
- 1Astronomie
- 2Astrophysik
- 3Luft- und Raumfahrttechnik
- 4Raketenbau, Raketentechnik
- 5Aerodynamik, Aeromechanik
- 6Avionik (Fluggerätetechnik)
- 7Technische Physik und Mathematik
- 8Triebwerkstechnik, Antriebstechnik
- 9Bordelektronik, GPS, Satelliten und Funksysteme
- 10Mess-, Steuer-, Regeltechnik
- 11Pneumatik, Hydraulik
- 12Wartung, Reparatur
- 13Technische Dokumentation
Where this can lead
A career change is possible. You need relevant flight experience, technical expertise, or scientific qualifications. You must follow space agency guidelines.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Analytical thinking
- Stress resistance
- Teamwork
- Physical endurance
- Technical understanding
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
In the morning, you check the station instruments. You run a planned experiment on materials. You communicate by radio with ground control. You also talk to the international team.
- You train daily on special equipment. You stay fit for extreme weightlessness conditions.
- You practice emergency scenarios. You learn to operate the station safely in a crisis.
- You conduct scientific experiments in biology and physics. You work under controlled conditions.
- You maintain the onboard electronics. You repair faulty systems during the mission.
- You perform spacewalks. You install new instruments on the station.
- You analyse collected measurement data. You write detailed reports for ground control.
- You attend interviews and give talks. You inform the public about your mission.
Working conditions
You work in space stations and spacecraft in orbit. You also train in centres on Earth. You work in research institutes and space agencies.
Where to learn
- European Space Agency (ESA) 24 Rue du Général Bertrand CS30798 75001
Strengths
- Analytical thinking
- Stress resistance
- Teamwork
- Physical endurance
- Technical understanding
Trade-offs
- Irregular working hours
- Physical strain
- High selection rate
- Isolation in space
06 · Similar
