What is JPL to NASA?
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Directors Managed by the California Institute of Technology and based in Pasadena, JPL is NASA’s only federally-funded research and development center. JPL is the result of a Caltech graduate student’s research into rocket propulsion in the late 1930s. JPL is federally funded by NASA and managed by Caltech.Managed by Caltech, JPL is NASA’s only federally-funded research and development center. Designed, built, and operated the United States’ first satellite, Explorer 1, launched in 1958.Explore the JPL campus virtually with interactive 360 panoramas of Mission Control, the Spacecraft Assembly Facility, the visitor museum, and more. JPL is federally funded by NASA and managed by Caltech.
Are NASA JPL internships paid?
Yes! All NASA interns receive a stipend. Directly apply to a max of 15 opportunities per session. Average NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Student Intern daily pay in the United States is approximately $313, which is 158% above the national average.
Who is the youngest employee at NASA?
Adopted, graduated high school at 12, NASA’s youngest intern and now the youngest Black person ever accepted into U. S. Alena Analeigh Wicker is redefining what’s possible. Alena McQuarter isn’t like other teenagers. She graduated from high school at 12 years old, made national headlines as the youngest person to intern at NASA, and is the youngst Black person to get acepted to medical school.
Does NASA JPL pay well?
As of Nov 29, 2025, the average annual pay for a Nasa Jpl in Pasadena is $108,784 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $52. This is the equivalent of $2,092/week or $9,065/month. How much do astronauts get paid for space travel? By the numbers: According to NASA, astronauts are not paid overtime or bonuses for time in space. Instead, they receive their standard federal salaries and a $5 daily incidental travel allowance while on official duty.According to NASA, civilian astronaut salaries are determined by the US Government’s pay scales – or more specifically grades GS-13 to GS-14. As of 2022, the GS-13 pay scale ranges from $81,216 to $105,579 per annum. This is up to $8,798.Under NASA rules, astronauts are paid at the rate of their usual 40-hours-a-week salary, roughly $152,258 per year, during their time aboard the International Space Station.Aerospace engineer positions at SpaceX begin at $95,000 per year, dwarfing NASA’s offering which must adhere to the federal government’s General Schedule pay scales. Here, salaries begin at around $55,000 for engineers with bachelor’s degrees working at the Kennedy Space Center, based in Florida.The average NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory salary ranges from approximately $62,512 per year for Postdoctoral Fellow to $129,479 per year for System Engineer. Average NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory hourly pay ranges from approximately $19. Intern to $23. Software Engineer.
Are JPL employees NASA employees?
JPL is a unique collaboration between NASA and Caltech. We are funded by the space agency to serve the space program and national interests, while staffed and managed by one of the world’s premier academic Institutions. This synergy offers unique opportunities and benefits. JPL holds a unique place in the universe. We are a leader in robotic space exploration, sending rovers to Mars, probes into the farthest reaches of the solar system, and satellites to advance understanding of our home planet.
What is the highest paid job at NASA?
What is the highest salary at NASA? The highest paying role reported at NASA is Administrative Assistant at the Common Range Average level with a yearly total compensation of $241,200. This includes base salary as well as any potential stock compensation and bonuses. To tackle our diverse missions, NASA hires 20 different types of engineers; the most common fields are aerospace, general, and computer engineers. We place an emphasis on engineers who can take a holistic, systems view to solve complex challenges.While you can expect these positions to be highly competitive, with NASA holding applicants to a high standard, you have an opportunity to contribute to work that can affect humanity. Take a look at seven of the many NASA jobs you can pursue.The highest paying jobs at NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration are team leader, contracting officer, mentor, and program manager.A bachelor’s degree in a STEM field is enough for most NASA jobs, but some research or senior positions prefer a master’s degree or PhD.Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Topping the list, a CEO is typically the highest paying job in the world, no matter where you work.