Intro
Discover the US Coast Guard pay scale and salary grades. Learn about the Coast Guards military pay chart, rank structure, and annual salary ranges. Get insight into the factors affecting pay, including time in service, rank, and time in grade, and explore the benefits and allowances that supplement Coast Guard salaries.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a unique branch of the US Armed Forces that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime. As a result, the USCG pay scale and salary grades are similar to those of the other military branches, but with some differences. In this article, we will explore the USCG pay scale and salary grades, as well as the factors that affect an individual's pay.
USCG Pay Scale Overview
The USCG pay scale is based on a combination of factors, including rank, time in service, and specialty. The pay scale is divided into nine enlisted pay grades (E-1 to E-9) and eleven officer pay grades (O-1 to O-10). The pay scale is also influenced by the individual's level of education, training, and experience.
Enlisted Pay Grades (E-1 to E-9)
The enlisted pay grades in the USCG range from Seaman Recruit (E-1) to Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9). The pay for each grade is as follows:
- E-1 (Seaman Recruit): $1,733.10 per month
- E-2 (Seaman Apprentice): $1,942.50 per month
- E-3 (Seaman): $2,043.70 per month
- E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class): $2,341.60 per month
- E-5 (Petty Officer Second Class): $2,654.10 per month
- E-6 (Petty Officer First Class): $3,058.70 per month
- E-7 (Chief Petty Officer): $3,468.30 per month
- E-8 (Senior Chief Petty Officer): $4,136.40 per month
- E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer): $5,334.60 per month
Officer Pay Grades (O-1 to O-10)
The officer pay grades in the USCG range from Ensign (O-1) to Admiral (O-10). The pay for each grade is as follows:
- O-1 (Ensign): $3,287.10 per month
- O-2 (Lieutenant Junior Grade): $3,787.50 per month
- O-3 (Lieutenant): $4,394.90 per month
- O-4 (Lieutenant Commander): $5,144.40 per month
- O-5 (Commander): $6,345.30 per month
- O-6 (Captain): $7,645.70 per month
- O-7 (Rear Admiral Lower Half): $9,123.80 per month
- O-8 (Rear Admiral Upper Half): $10,869.90 per month
- O-9 (Vice Admiral): $12,974.40 per month
- O-10 (Admiral): $15,547.90 per month
Special and Incentive Pay
In addition to basic pay, USCG personnel may also be eligible for special and incentive pay, including:
- Hazardous duty pay: $150-$500 per month
- Flight pay: $150-$1,000 per month
- Diving pay: $150-$500 per month
- Submarine pay: $100-$500 per month
- Sea pay: $100-$500 per month
- Jump pay: $100-$500 per month
Allowances and Benefits
In addition to pay, USCG personnel are also eligible for a range of allowances and benefits, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): $800-$2,000 per month
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): $369.39 per month
- Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): $100-$500 per month
- Family Separation Allowance (FSA): $250-$500 per month
- Health insurance: $0-$500 per month
- Retirement benefits: 20-30 years of service required for full benefits
Education and Training Benefits
The USCG also offers a range of education and training benefits, including:
- Tuition Assistance: up to $4,500 per year
- GI Bill benefits: up to $25,162.14 per year
- Coast Guard Academy: four-year scholarship program
- Officer Candidate School (OCS): two-year commissioning program
- Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) program: two-year commissioning program
Gallery of USCG Personnel
USCG Personnel Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the USCG pay scale and salary grades. Whether you're a seasoned Coast Guardsman or just starting your career, it's essential to stay informed about the pay and benefits that come with serving in the USCG.