Artemis II is now on its way home, having broken the record for the farthest distance humans have flown from Earth by travelling around the far side of the moon.
Four astronauts are on board: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian Jeremy Hansen, and are expected to splash down off the coast of San Diego at approximately 8:07 p.m. on Friday, April 10.
Given the hazards involved, along with the years of training and expertise required to journey into space, it would be reasonable to assume Artemis II astronauts are exceptionally well compensated.
Yet, despite the global attention, the Artemis II astronauts are likely paid the same as many of their lower-profile colleagues.
Like most government roles, NASA salaries follow a standardized pay scale, previously reported to top out at about US$152,000.
The
stated that the annual salary for astronauts in 2024 was approximately US$152,258. It added that the rate would be adjusted to reflect any increases in pay schedules, meaning this number may have gone up over the past two years.
That salary remains the same whether astronauts are on Earth or in space, and they do not get extra pay for overtime or for going on missions.
For some, this amount might sound modest, considering the Artemis II mission broke records and pushed the boundaries of human space exploration.
As Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged in a recent video call with the Artemis II crew, the mission carried significant risk.
“You said the other day that this mission is a risk for a good reason, which really struck me,” he told Hansen.
The astronaut replied: “Risk is necessary. But calculated risk, well-thought-out risk and risk that you balance with others.”
Jobs site
lists average salaries for professions such as optometrists, software engineering managers and podiatrists in a similar range — roles that also demand extensive training, but not the same degree of personal risk as travelling more than 250,000 miles from Earth.
Canadian astronauts reportedly receive a similar salary, suggesting Jeremy Hansen earns roughly in line with his crewmates.
In 2023, the Canadian Space Agency revealed that the astronauts’ salaries range from $97,100 to $189,600.
The higher end of the scale is reserved for astronauts who have successfully completed a space mission.
Even from space, we can all agree that maple syrup belongs on pancakes.
Safe journey home to Colonel Jeremy Hansen and the entire Artemis II crew. pic.twitter.com/FqPD2FvsNr— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 9, 2026
Artemis 2 marks Hansen’s first journey into space, and he is also the first Canadian to join a moon mission.
Carney highlighted the milestone during his call with the Artemis crew.
“Canadians are so proud of what you’re doing and the collaboration,” he said. “I’m thrilled. I’m absolutely thrilled to be speaking with you, Jeremy and the crew. We’ve all been watching and inspired by what you’re doing.”
The prime minister also probed Hansen on one burning issue: “A lot of Canadians just wanted one point of reassurance, that the preference is for maple syrup over Nutella on your pancakes in the morning.”
Carney was referring to a viral image of a jar of Nutella floating through the Orion space capsule, and his question had the crew in fits of laughter.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Carney said, also extending an invitation to visit Ottawa, the Canadian capital.
