Intro
Unlock the ranks and pay scales of the US Coast Guard. Explore the 9 distinct ranks, from E-1 to O-7, and understand the corresponding pay grades, insignia, and responsibilities. Learn about the differences between enlisted, warrant, and officer ranks, as well as the requirements for advancement and promotion.
The United States Coast Guard is a unique branch of the military that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, but can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during wartime. With a rich history and a wide range of responsibilities, the Coast Guard offers a variety of career opportunities for those who serve. Understanding the different Coast Guard ranks and pay scales is essential for anyone considering a career in this branch of the military.
The Coast Guard has a total of 13 enlisted ranks, 11 officer ranks, and 5 warrant officer ranks. The pay scales for these ranks are based on a combination of time in service and time in grade. Here is an overview of the 9 Coast Guard ranks and pay scales:
Enlisted Ranks
The enlisted ranks in the Coast Guard are divided into three categories: junior enlisted, senior enlisted, and chief petty officer. Here are the 9 enlisted ranks and pay scales:
Seaman Recruit (E-1)
The Seaman Recruit is the lowest enlisted rank in the Coast Guard. Seaman Recruits are new recruits who are in the process of completing their basic training.
- Base pay: $1,733.10 per month
- Time in service: 0-2 years
- Time in grade: 0-1 year
Seaman Apprentice (E-2)
Seaman Apprentices are junior enlisted personnel who have completed their basic training and are in the process of completing their job-specific training.
- Base pay: $1,942.50 per month
- Time in service: 2-4 years
- Time in grade: 1-2 years
Seaman (E-3)
Seamen are junior enlisted personnel who have completed their job-specific training and are serving in their first duty assignment.
- Base pay: $2,043.70 per month
- Time in service: 4-6 years
- Time in grade: 2-3 years
Petty Officer Third Class (E-4)
Petty Officers Third Class are senior enlisted personnel who have completed their job-specific training and have been selected for promotion to a leadership position.
- Base pay: $2,354.10 per month
- Time in service: 6-10 years
- Time in grade: 3-5 years
Petty Officer Second Class (E-5)
Petty Officers Second Class are senior enlisted personnel who have completed their job-specific training and have been selected for promotion to a higher leadership position.
- Base pay: $2,664.60 per month
- Time in service: 10-15 years
- Time in grade: 5-7 years
Petty Officer First Class (E-6)
Petty Officers First Class are senior enlisted personnel who have completed their job-specific training and have been selected for promotion to a higher leadership position.
- Base pay: $3,086.40 per month
- Time in service: 15-20 years
- Time in grade: 7-10 years
Chief Petty Officer (E-7)
Chief Petty Officers are senior enlisted personnel who have completed their job-specific training and have been selected for promotion to a senior leadership position.
- Base pay: $3,541.90 per month
- Time in service: 20-25 years
- Time in grade: 10-15 years
Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8)
Senior Chief Petty Officers are senior enlisted personnel who have completed their job-specific training and have been selected for promotion to a senior leadership position.
- Base pay: $4,142.90 per month
- Time in service: 25-30 years
- Time in grade: 15-20 years
Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9)
Master Chief Petty Officers are the highest enlisted rank in the Coast Guard. They have completed their job-specific training and have been selected for promotion to a senior leadership position.
- Base pay: $4,795.50 per month
- Time in service: 30+ years
- Time in grade: 20+ years
Officer Ranks
The officer ranks in the Coast Guard are divided into three categories: junior officer, senior officer, and flag officer. Here are the 9 officer ranks and pay scales:
Ensign (O-1)
Ensigns are junior officers who have completed their officer training and are serving in their first duty assignment.
- Base pay: $3,287.10 per month
- Time in service: 0-2 years
- Time in grade: 0-1 year
Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2)
Lieutenants Junior Grade are junior officers who have completed their officer training and have been selected for promotion to a higher leadership position.
- Base pay: $3,788.20 per month
- Time in service: 2-4 years
- Time in grade: 1-2 years
Lieutenant (O-3)
Lieutenants are junior officers who have completed their officer training and have been selected for promotion to a higher leadership position.
- Base pay: $4,380.60 per month
- Time in service: 4-6 years
- Time in grade: 2-3 years
Lieutenant Commander (O-4)
Lieutenants Commander are senior officers who have completed their officer training and have been selected for promotion to a higher leadership position.
- Base pay: $5,260.40 per month
- Time in service: 6-10 years
- Time in grade: 3-5 years
Commander (O-5)
Commanders are senior officers who have completed their officer training and have been selected for promotion to a higher leadership position.
- Base pay: $6,362.20 per month
- Time in service: 10-15 years
- Time in grade: 5-7 years
Captain (O-6)
Captains are senior officers who have completed their officer training and have been selected for promotion to a higher leadership position.
- Base pay: $7,622.40 per month
- Time in service: 15-20 years
- Time in grade: 7-10 years
Rear Admiral (Lower Half) (O-7)
Rear Admirals (Lower Half) are flag officers who have completed their officer training and have been selected for promotion to a senior leadership position.
- Base pay: $9,144.30 per month
- Time in service: 20-25 years
- Time in grade: 10-15 years
Rear Admiral (Upper Half) (O-8)
Rear Admirals (Upper Half) are flag officers who have completed their officer training and have been selected for promotion to a senior leadership position.
- Base pay: $10,551.90 per month
- Time in service: 25-30 years
- Time in grade: 15-20 years
Admiral (O-10)
Admirals are the highest officer rank in the Coast Guard. They have completed their officer training and have been selected for promotion to a senior leadership position.
- Base pay: $15,546.90 per month
- Time in service: 30+ years
- Time in grade: 20+ years
Coast Guard Ranks and Pay Scales Gallery
In conclusion, the Coast Guard offers a wide range of career opportunities for those who serve. Understanding the different Coast Guard ranks and pay scales is essential for anyone considering a career in this branch of the military. Whether you're interested in enlisted or officer ranks, the Coast Guard has a place for you.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Coast Guard ranks and pay scales. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We'd love to hear from you!
Also, if you're interested in learning more about the Coast Guard or have specific questions about their ranks and pay scales, we encourage you to check out the official Coast Guard website or contact a recruiter. They'll be able to provide you with more information and help you get started on your path to a successful career in the Coast Guard.
Thanks for reading!