Thomas Pesquet's salary: French astronaut reveals his annual income
Thomas Pesquet salary
Thomas Pesquet, l'French astronaut l'European Space Agency (ESA), fascinates the public with its exploits in space. His missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have captured the imagination of millions of people. But how much does an astronaut like Pesquet really earn?
Thomas Pesquet's monthly salary is between €8,886.75 and €9,778.49. This remuneration corresponds to his grade A4 on At ESA levelfrom A1 à A7. This amount, not so far removed from the salary of a MPreflects the experience and skills acquired during its space missions.

Pesquet's salary may vary depending on factors such as bonuses or mission-related allowances.
During his six months on the ISS at 2021he received a monthly remuneration of between 7 647,05 and 8,464.41 euros. These figures show that a career as an astronaut offers attractive remuneration, as well as the unique opportunity to explore space.
Thomas Pesquet's career
Thomas Pesquet is a French astronaut who has left his mark on the history of space exploration. His impressive career has taken him from school to the International Space Station.

Beginnings and training
Thomas Pesquet is born in Rouen at 1978. He showed a keen interest in science and aviation from an early age.
After high school, he went on to study engineering at theISAE-SUPAERO à Toulouse. At 2001He graduated as an aeronautical engineer.
Pesquet then worked as a research engineer for the CNES. He also trained as an airline pilot.
Visit 2004He obtained his commercial pilot's license and became a flight instructor.
Careers at ESA and Space Missions
Visit 2009Thomas Pesquet was chosen by European Space Agency (ESA) to become an astronaut. He underwent six years of intense training.
Sa first space mission took place in 2016-2017. He spent 196 days on board the International Space Station. During this mission, he led more than 50 scientific experiments.

Visit 2021, Pesquet has returned to space for a second mission. He became the first Frenchman to command the ISS. This mission lasted 199 days and reinforced his status as an experienced astronaut.
The ESA Salary Grid
The European Space Agency (ESA) uses a specific salary scale to pay its astronauts. This grid defines salaries according to different grades and steps, with amounts varying according to experience and responsibilities.
Grades and Steps
ESA classifies its astronauts in grades ranging from A2 à A4. The grade A2 corresponds to beginners, while the A4 is awarded to the most experienced.
Each grade has several steps. An astronaut at grade A2 can earn around 6,200 euros net per month. At grade A4, the monthly salary is between 8,886 and 9,778 euros net.

Bonuses may be added to these amounts, particularly for weekend work or for astronauts with children.
Comparison with NASA Astronauts
The salaries of ESA astronauts are generally lower than those of their American counterparts in the NASA.
NASA uses a different compensation system, based on the federal salary scale.
Entry-level NASA astronauts can earn around 66,000 per yearapproximately 5,500 dollars per month.
Experienced NASA astronauts can earn annual salaries of more than 144,000 dollarsapproximately 12,000 dollars per month.
Complementary income
Thomas Pesquet's base salary is supplemented by various elements. These additions significantly increase his total income.
Bonuses and allowances
Thomas Pesquet receives bonuses for his space missions. These bonuses reward the specific risks and skills required for his work.

Amounts vary according to the duration and nature of the assignment. For example, for a space flight bonus can be granted for each day spent in space.
Allowances also compensate for the constraints of the job. They cover frequent travel and long periods away from the family.
Extra-professional income
Apart from his work as an astronaut, Thomas Pesquet has other sources of income. He is the author of books on his space experiences. These works earn him copyright.
Pesquet also gives fee-paying conferences. He shares his unique experience with the public and businesses alike.
His reputation enables him to take part in advertising campaigns. These contracts can be very lucrative.
These activities are supervised by ESA. The agency ensures that they remain compatible with his astronaut status.

Personal life and media impact
Thomas Pesquet leads a discreet private life, yet is very much in the media spotlight. His popularity has exploded thanks to his space missions and his skilful use of social networks.
Family and Privacy
Thomas Pesquet is in a relationship with Anne Mottet, an agricultural engineer. They have no children of their own. The couple keep their private life away from the spotlight.
Anne supports Thomas in his astronaut career. She works for the FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Pesquet rarely talks about his family in the media. He prefers to concentrate on his missions and his role as an ambassador for science.

Popularity and Presence on Social Networks
Thomas Pesquet has become very popular in France. His space missions have captivated the public. He has millions of followers on social networks.
On Twitter, Pesquet shares photos of the Earth from space. He also talks about his daily life aboard the International Space Station.
His online presence has sparked interest in space among young people. He uses his fame to promote science and the environment.
Pesquet often appears on television and in the press. He is seen as a positive and inspiring role model for many French people.
Collaborations and projects with SpaceX
ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet has taken part in missions related to SpaceX. At 2021he travelled to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a capsule Crew Dragon from SpaceX.

This collaboration between ESA and SpaceX marks a new era in space exploration. It will enable European astronauts to access the ISS using technologies developed by SpaceX.Elon Musk.
Pesquet has worked on scientific experiments aboard the ISS, using equipment supplied by SpaceX. These projects include studies on microgravity and its effects on the human body.
The Crew Dragon capsule offers greater transport capacity than previous spacecraft. It can accommodate up to four astronauts, enabling longer stays on the ISS.
SpaceX and ESA continue to work together to improve space technologies. Their joint efforts are aimed at making space travel safer and more efficient.
These partnerships pave the way for future space missions, notably to the Moon and Mars.

Summary
Thomas Pesquet, French astronaut of theESAreceives a monthly salary ranging from 8 886 € à 9 778 €according to grade A4. During space missions, remuneration varies due to specific bonuses and allowances. Compared to NASAsalaries in theESA are generally lower, but remain attractive. In addition to his salary, Pesquet generates income through his books, conferences and media collaborations. His impressive career and his presence on social networks make him a key figure in space exploration, inspiring a new generation of astronauts and space enthusiasts.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some answers to common questions about Thomas Pesquet's remuneration and career as an ESA astronaut.
How much does an ESA astronaut like Thomas Pesquet earn?
An ESA astronaut like Thomas Pesquet earns between €8,886 and €9,778 per month. This salary corresponds to grade A4 on the European Space Agency pay scale.
Entry-level astronauts start out on a salary of around €6,197 per month. Salary increases with experience and missions accomplished.
What is the flight allowance for astronauts on space missions?
Astronauts receive a bonus for their missions in space. The exact amount is not public, but it is added to their basic salary.
This bonus compensates for the risks and constraints associated with spaceflight. It varies according to the duration and nature of each mission.
How is an astronaut's salary affected while on a mission in space?
An astronaut's basic salary remains the same during a space mission. They continue to receive their usual monthly pay.
Astronauts also receive specific bonuses for their stay in space. These bonuses are in addition to their normal salary during the mission.
What did Thomas Pesquet study to become an astronaut?
Thomas Pesquet has followed an advanced scientific and technical career path. He graduated from the École nationale supérieure de l'aéronautique et de l'espace in Toulouse.
He also obtained a master's degree in fluid dynamics from Imperial College London. These courses prepared him for the challenges of astronaut work.
What military rank does Thomas Pesquet hold?
Thomas Pesquet has no military rank. He is a civilian employed by the European Space Agency (ESA).
Some astronauts have a military background, but not Pesquet. His career has been spent in the civilian aerospace sector.
What factors influence an astronaut's salary at SpaceX?
SpaceX is a private company with its own salary structure. Factors influencing remuneration include experience, skills and responsibilities.
Salaries at SpaceX may differ from those at ESA. Private astronauts often have specific contracts for each mission.