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What Can You Do With a Space Studies Degree? Jobs
Key takeaway: Space studies is the interdisciplinary space degree: policy, operations, science, and the industry around launch and satellites. American Public University sells bachelor's and master's versions. It is not an [aerospace engineering](/programs/engineering/concentrations/aerospace-engineering) ABET program and it is not a [physics](/programs/physics) PhD track, though both occupations appear in the wage table as the high end of the field. It is not flight training, not astronaut selection, and not an ABET engineering degree. If you want to design spacecraft, you want aerospace engineering and the FE/PE path described on the [engineering](/programs/engineering) pages.
Astronomer is a tiny occupation (BLS: 1,800 employed in 2024). Most space-studies bachelor’s graduates work in operations, policy, education, or contractor analyst seats, not at a telescope. Aerospace engineer wages are listed so you can see the engineering alternative, not because this CIP produces that license.
Jobs you can get with a space studies degree
| Occupation | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Astronomers | $128,820 |
| Aerospace Engineers | $134,960 |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | $99,070 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $167,220 |
View the data behind this chart
| Occupation | Avg. annual openings |
|---|---|
| Engineers, All Other | 9,300/yr |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 8,500/yr |
| Aerospace Engineers | 4,500/yr |
| Physical Scientists, All Other | 2,000/yr |
| Physicists | 1,700/yr |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,000/yr |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | 700/yr |
| Astronomers | 100/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS national medians. Median means half of workers in the occupation earned more and half earned less.
Astronomers. The national median annual wage was $128,820, with the 10th percentile at $78,010 and the 90th at $195,190 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS). Employment was 1,800 in 2024, projected to grow 2.2 percent through 2034, with 100 openings per year (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034). See how to become an astronomer. Aerospace Engineers. The national median annual wage was $134,960, with the 10th percentile at $86,700 and the 90th at $205,890 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS). Employment was 71,600 in 2024, projected to grow 6.1 percent through 2034, with 4,500 openings per year (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034). Atmospheric and Space Scientists. The national median annual wage was $99,070, with the 10th percentile at $53,060 and the 90th at $161,890 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS). Employment was 9,400 in 2024, projected to grow 0.7 percent through 2034, with 700 openings per year (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034). Natural Sciences Managers. The national median annual wage was $167,220, with the 10th percentile at $79,710 and the 90th at $316,850 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS). Employment was 104,300 in 2024, projected to grow 3.7 percent through 2034, with 8,500 openings per year (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034).
The jobs this degree does not get you
It is not flight training, not astronaut selection, and not an ABET engineering degree. If you want to design spacecraft, you want aerospace engineering and the FE/PE path described on the engineering pages.
What the degree level changes
The online bachelor’s in space studies is the entry credential in this CIP. The online master’s in space studies is the advancement or specialization credential. Compare physics, engineering, aviation management before you enroll if those titles match the job you actually want.
Common questions
What jobs can you get with a space studies degree?
Common occupations include astronomers, aerospace engineers, atmospheric and space scientists, natural sciences managers.
How much do space studies majors make?
Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS national medians include $128,820 for astronomers, $134,960 for aerospace engineers, $99,070 for atmospheric and space scientists, $167,220 for natural sciences managers. Individual outcomes vary.
Data verified: September 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.