BENEFITS

In addition to the prestige and invaluable work experience that comes with being a NASA employee, you as a co-op, are eligible to receive the same compensation benefits package that regular permanent employees receive. Below is a summary and some intangibles:

A quick look at NASA employee benefits.

What is the starting pay for a Co-op?

The starting pay for Co-ops varies depending on the number of academic hours completed toward your degree. Undergraduate Co-op salaries range from GS-4 (General Schedule 4) level for a student with sophomore standing to GS-6 level for students with senior standing. Co-ops are promoted on the basis of academic hours completed and performance ratings. Starting pay for graduate Co-ops depends on individual qualifications. As a general rule, master's degree candidates are appointed at the GS-7 level and doctoral degree candidates are appointed at the GS-9 level.

Although the pay isn't as good as what you might be offered at another job, our Co-ops will tell you that they wouldn't give up working here, even if it did mean a pay raise!

You may want to look at the 2007 Huntsville Salary Table for hourly pay rates to get an idea of what the starting pay is at each level.
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