Washington's space sector economic impact doubles again

A new industry study says Washington’s space sector now brings in $8.1 billion in direct economic output per year—about twice what it did in 2022. With 12,300 direct jobs averaging $188,000 in annual pay, most go to engineering, manufacturing, and hardware roles. Factoring in broader effects, the sector supports 34,200 jobs. Over two-thirds of the world’s active satellites were built in Washington, mainly at SpaceX’s Starlink facility.

• Direct economic output now $8.1 billion yearly
• 12,300 direct jobs, over 34,000 including indirect
• Average salary in sector hits $188,000
• Over two-thirds of active satellites built in state
• 24 state-based space startups raised $4.3 billion