Us Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Salary Revealed

The United States Coast Guard is a unique branch of the military that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime. One of the most elite and respected careers within the Coast Guard is that of an Aviation Survival Technician (AST), also known as a rescue swimmer. These brave men and women risk their lives to save others in peril, often in the most treacherous of conditions.

Becoming a rescue swimmer in the Coast Guard requires an enormous amount of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The training process is notoriously difficult, with a high dropout rate. However, for those who succeed, the reward is a sense of pride and fulfillment that comes from knowing they have made a difference in the lives of others.

What is the Salary of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer?

The salary of a Coast Guard rescue swimmer varies based on factors such as rank, time in service, and location. According to the Coast Guard's pay scale, the base salary for an Aviation Survival Technician (AST) ranges from around $40,000 to over $90,000 per year.

Here is a breakdown of the average annual salary for a Coast Guard rescue swimmer by rank:

Seaman Recruit (E-1): $40,932
Seaman Apprentice (E-2): $43,932
Seaman (E-3): $46,932
Petty Officer Third Class (E-4): $52,932
Petty Officer Second Class (E-5): $60,932
Petty Officer First Class (E-6): $69,932
Chief Petty Officer (E-7): $82,932
Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8): $92,932

It's worth noting that these figures do not include additional forms of compensation, such as:

Special duty pay: Rescue swimmers receive special duty pay for their hazardous work, which can range from $150 to $500 per month.
Hazardous duty pay: Rescue swimmers also receive hazardous duty pay for working in high-risk environments, which can range from $150 to $500 per month.
Subsistence allowance: Rescue swimmers receive a subsistence allowance to help cover the cost of food and other expenses while on duty.
Housing allowance: Rescue swimmers may also receive a housing allowance to help cover the cost of housing while on duty.

How to Become a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer

Becoming a Coast Guard rescue swimmer requires a unique combination of physical and mental toughness, as well as a strong desire to serve others. Here are the steps to become a Coast Guard rescue swimmer:

Meet the basic qualifications: To become a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, you must be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 27, and meet the Coast Guard's physical fitness requirements.
Enlist in the Coast Guard: To become a rescue swimmer, you must first enlist in the Coast Guard. You can do this by visiting a Coast Guard recruiter or by submitting an application online.
Attend basic training: Once you have enlisted, you will attend basic training, also known as boot camp. This is an 8-week course that teaches you the basics of Coast Guard life and prepares you for your future role.
Attend Aviation Survival Technician (AST) school: After basic training, you will attend AST school, which is a 24-week course that teaches you the skills you need to become a rescue swimmer.
Complete advanced training: After completing AST school, you will attend advanced training, which includes courses in areas such as helicopter rescue operations and emergency medical procedures.
Gain experience: Once you have completed your training, you will be assigned to a Coast Guard air station, where you will gain experience as a rescue swimmer.
Get promoted: As you gain experience and complete additional training, you will be eligible for promotion to higher ranks, which can lead to increased salary and responsibility.

Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Requirements

To become a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, you must meet the following requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be between the ages of 17 and 27
Meet the Coast Guard's physical fitness requirements
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Have a minimum score of 40 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
Be willing to serve for at least 4 years

In addition to these basic requirements, you must also meet the Coast Guard's physical fitness requirements, which include:

Swimming 500 yards in 12 minutes or less
Completing a 1.5-mile run in 10 minutes or less
Performing 30 push-ups in 1 minute or less
Performing 30 sit-ups in 1 minute or less

Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Physical Fitness Requirements

The Coast Guard's physical fitness requirements are designed to ensure that rescue swimmers have the strength, endurance, and agility needed to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Here are the Coast Guard's physical fitness requirements for rescue swimmers:

Swimming: Rescue swimmers must be able to swim 500 yards in 12 minutes or less.
Running: Rescue swimmers must be able to complete a 1.5-mile run in 10 minutes or less.
Push-ups: Rescue swimmers must be able to perform 30 push-ups in 1 minute or less.
Sit-ups: Rescue swimmers must be able to perform 30 sit-ups in 1 minute or less.
Pull-ups: Rescue swimmers must be able to perform 3 pull-ups or more.

Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Fitness Requirements

Conclusion

Becoming a Coast Guard rescue swimmer is a challenging and rewarding career that requires a unique combination of physical and mental toughness, as well as a strong desire to serve others. With a salary range of $40,000 to over $90,000 per year, Coast Guard rescue swimmers are among the highest-paid enlisted personnel in the military.

If you are interested in becoming a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, we encourage you to meet the basic qualifications, enlist in the Coast Guard, and attend the necessary training courses. With hard work and dedication, you can become a part of this elite group of individuals who risk their lives to save others.