Astronauts are highly trained professionals who perform dangerous and difficult tasks. They are also very well paid for their work. According to Business Insider, astronauts can earn a base salary of $66,000 per year. However, their salaries can increase based on their experience and the length of their mission. For example, an astronaut who is selected to be the commander of a space shuttle mission can earn an additional $10,000 per week while they are in space. In total, astronauts can earn over $100,000 per year.
While this may seem like a lot of money, it is important to remember that astronauts put their lives at risk every time they go into space. They undergo rigorous training and must be prepared for any number of emergencies that could occur while they are in space. Additionally, they often spend months or even years away from their families while they are on a mission. For these reasons, astronauts are some of the most highly-paid workers in the world.