11 of the Highest Paying Space Science Jobs in 2026

The best Space Science jobs can pay up to $137,500 per year.

High Paying Space Science Jobs

• Chief Meteorologist

  Salary range: $110,000 - $137,500

  The majority of Chief Meteorologist salaries across the United States currently range between $110,000 (25th percentile) and $137,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Chief Meteorologist job market in the United States is moderately active, with several companies hiring.

• Atmospheric Scientist

  Salary range: $104,500 - $122,500

  Atmospheric scientists study the weather to predict short-term and long-term patterns. Some, like meteorologists, may work to forecast the weather over a few of days. Others spend research years of data to create models to learn about weather conditions in the past, or model future climate conditions based on pollution, historical temperatures, precipitation records, and observational tools from space. They report their findings in conferences, professional journals, or research papers. Qualifications for the job include a bachelor’s degree, although many research positions require a master’s degree or doctorate.

• Metrology Engineer

  Salary range: $90,000 - $122,000

  A metrology engineer, or metrologist, specializes in science or engineering-related measurements. Their duties may include calibrating instruments, designing new tools or systems of measurement, interpreting data, or researching the science of measuring. Many subfields work with metrologists, including mechanical engineering. There are two levels of metrology certification available through the Coordinate Metrology Society (CMS).

• Meteorologist

  Salary range: $98,500 - $98,500

  Meteorologists study the atmosphere and its effects on Earth. According to the American Meteorological Society, meteorologists apply scientific knowledge to a variety of topics, including weather forecasting, atmospheric research, information services, forensic services, and teaching.

• Space Technologist

  Salary range: $49,000 - $97,000

  The majority of Space Technologist salaries across the United States currently range between $49,000 (25th percentile) and $97,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Space Technologist job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Metrology Specialist

  Salary range: $37,500 - $90,000

  The majority of Metrology Specialist salaries across the United States currently range between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $90,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Metrology Specialist job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Marine Meteorologist

  Salary range: $45,000 - $79,500

  The majority of Marine Meteorologist salaries across the United States currently range between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $79,500 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Marine Meteorologist job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.

• Meteorological Technician

  Salary range: $49,000 - $69,000

  A meteorological technician installs, inspects, maintains, repairs, and optimizes equipment that helps interpret weather data, observe weather patterns, and predict weather forecasts. Your duties as a meteorological technician are to evaluate optimal areas for installing equipment, develop a plan and schedule for installation, and install the weather equipment and systems. You also optimize the system for efficacy and troubleshoot when issues arise. Your responsibilities also include documenting your work, revisiting installation sites for inspections, and cleaning and maintaining your work vehicle. These positions require a lot of physical strength and endurance for climbing equipment towers and using heavy equipment and tools.

• Astronomer

  Salary range: $31,500 - $64,000

  Astronomers study the universe, from the planets and stars in our solar system to the Milky Way and galaxy beyond. Their job is to discover how everything works together and research the origins and effects of heavenly anomalies, such as black holes, asteroids, and pulsars. What an astronomer does on a day-to-day basis will vary significantly based on their specialty. For instance, planetary astronomers study the rotation and life cycles of planets, moons, and asteroids. Stellar astronomers focus on the life cycle of stars, including the study of black holes, supernovas, nebulae, and star creation. An astronomer may also study the sun and its magnetic field and storms or focus solely on the Milky Way and galaxy. Astronomers wishing to focus on a broader, more all-encompassing view of the universe often choose to enter the field of cosmology which involves immersion into the history of the universe, as well as active research and hypothesis on current theories, such as dark matter, string theory, and multiverses.

• Forecaster

  Salary range: $55,000 - $63,000

  The majority of Forecaster salaries across the United States currently range between $55,000 (25th percentile) and $63,000 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Forecaster job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Meteorology Intern

  Salary range: $30,000 - $52,000

  The majority of Meteorology Intern salaries across the United States currently range between $30,000 (25th percentile) and $52,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Meteorology Intern job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.