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Russian Cosmonauts Earn Over 1 Million Rubles in Pensions by 2026

From sky-high salaries to record-breaking pensions, Russia's elite space professionals enjoy unmatched retirement benefits. But what does it take to qualify?

The image shows a Soviet propaganda poster for the Soviet Union featuring two astronauts in...
The image shows a Soviet propaganda poster for the Soviet Union featuring two astronauts in spacesuits. The poster has text written on it, likely providing information about the astronauts and their mission.

Russian Cosmonauts Earn Over 1 Million Rubles in Pensions by 2026

Russian cosmonauts and their instructors receive some of the highest pensions in the country's public sector. As of January 2026, the average length-of-service pension for these professionals stands at over 1 million rubles. Their earnings and retirement benefits reflect both their specialised roles and years of dedicated service.

The pension system for cosmonauts and instructors is tied closely to their salaries and years in service. The base pension starts at 55% of their salary, assuming they meet the minimum service requirements. Those who serve beyond this term gain an extra 3% of their salary for each additional full year. Conversely, if their service falls short, the pension is cut by 2% for every missing year.

First-class cosmonauts can earn up to 1.25 million rubles per month, including flight bonuses. Cosmonaut instructors, meanwhile, may receive monthly salaries as high as 1.375 million rubles. These figures directly influence their pensions, which can exceed 1 million rubles for top-tier professionals.

By 2026, the average length-of-service pension for cosmonauts has reached 1,016,390 rubles. The most experienced among them—those with extended careers—can secure pensions amounting to 85% of their final salary.

The pension structure ensures that long-serving cosmonauts and instructors receive substantial financial support in retirement. With salaries reaching over 1 million rubles monthly, their pensions reflect both their expertise and the demands of their profession. The system rewards extended service while penalising those who leave before completing the required terms.

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