Space workforce
This is for the USA, and the nonprofit organisation reports that space sector employment growth outpaced general private sector growth in the United States.
According to the Foundation, the average private U.S. space industry salary was $135,000. This represents a 3.1% annual increase and is nearly double the average private sector wage seen in the United States, which was $72,608. Note, however, that this is taken from its most recent year salary data, which is from 2023
“Within the robust data reported in The Space Report 2025 Q1, I see more than numbers – I see a forward-moving U.S. space workforce,” said Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle. “It’s outpaced the job and salary growth of the private sector, climbing in recent years, with average salaries well above what other industries offer to attract the talent needed.”
“Moreover, the need for minds skilled in data analysis and security continues to accelerate as the launch cadence picks up from 157 commercial launches last year to a projected 172 in 2025. This workforce evolution, along with continued technological innovation, builds a stronger foundation for the future we’re only beginning to imagine.”
Drugs in orbit
As well as record employment levels, the report also highlighted that pharmaceutical companies are increasing their interest in manufacturing drugs in orbit.
It cites, for example, Redwire’s Pharmaceutical In-space Laboratory Bio-crystal Optimization eXperiment (PIL-BOX). Dating from November 2023 with a launch to the ISS, it now serves as a dedicated platform for such research. Partners cited include Eli Lilly and Bristol Myers Squibb.
It also notes that Redwire Space bio-printed its first live human heart tissue aboard the International Space Station and successfully returned the sample to Earth.
Other statistics from the report covered the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It licensed 157 commercial spaceflights in 2024 and the report expects as many as 172 in 2025.
To access the full paid-for report, you have to visit Space Foundation‘s dedicated website.
Space Foundation
Founded in 1983. Space Foundation is a US nonprofit advocate organisation for the global space ecosystem. Its headquarters are in Colorado Springs,
You can read our coverage of the Space Foundation’s report for the last quarter here.
See also: Space Foundation charts space’s busiest year, but detects chill
