Intro
Discover the Coast Guard salary by rank, including the pay scale and benefits for each position. Learn about the compensation and perks for enlisted personnel, officers, and reservists, and how factors like experience, education, and duty stations impact take-home pay. Get the latest on Coast Guard pay and benefits.
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime. Its primary responsibilities include maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, marine safety, and environmental protection. As a member of the Coast Guard, you'll have the opportunity to serve your country while enjoying a rewarding career with competitive pay and benefits.
For those considering a career in the Coast Guard, understanding the salary structure is essential. The Coast Guard pay scale is based on a combination of rank and time in service, with higher ranks and longer service times corresponding to higher salaries. In this article, we'll delve into the Coast Guard salary by rank, highlighting the pay scale, benefits, and other forms of compensation.
Coast Guard Enlisted Pay Scale
The Coast Guard uses a pay scale similar to the other branches of the military, with nine enlisted pay grades (E-1 to E-9). The pay scale is based on the member's time in service and rank.
- E-1 (Seaman Recruit): $1,733.10 - $1,733.10 per month
- E-2 (Seaman Apprentice): $1,942.50 - $2,044.70 per month
- E-3 (Seaman): $2,043.70 - $2,341.40 per month
- E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class): $2,344.40 - $3,085.60 per month
- E-5 (Petty Officer Second Class): $2,507.10 - $3,606.10 per month
- E-6 (Petty Officer First Class): $2,774.50 - $4,272.90 per month
- E-7 (Chief Petty Officer): $3,313.50 - $5,060.70 per month
- E-8 (Senior Chief Petty Officer): $4,113.70 - $6,142.30 per month
- E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer): $5,127.40 - $7,345.50 per month
Coast Guard Officer Pay Scale
Coast Guard officers are also paid based on their rank and time in service. The officer pay scale includes 11 pay grades (O-1 to O-10).
- O-1 (Ensign): $3,287.10 - $4,136.40 per month
- O-2 (Lieutenant Junior Grade): $3,787.40 - $5,234.10 per month
- O-3 (Lieutenant): $4,562.30 - $6,532.80 per month
- O-4 (Lieutenant Commander): $5,431.80 - $8,262.90 per month
- O-5 (Commander): $6,406.80 - $10,338.40 per month
- O-6 (Captain): $7,332.90 - $12,420.90 per month
- O-7 (Rear Admiral Lower Half): $9,115.10 - $15,255.60 per month
- O-8 (Rear Admiral Upper Half): $10,444.80 - $17,551.40 per month
- O-9 (Vice Admiral): $12,270.30 - $20,242.10 per month
- O-10 (Admiral): $14,055.50 - $23,182.70 per month
Benefits and Allowances
In addition to their base pay, Coast Guard members receive a range of benefits and allowances, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): a monthly stipend to help cover the cost of housing
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): a monthly stipend to help cover the cost of food
- Special Duty Pay: additional pay for special duties, such as dive pay or hazardous duty pay
- Subsistence Allowance: a monthly stipend to help cover the cost of food while deployed or on temporary duty
- Uniform Allowance: an annual stipend to help cover the cost of uniforms and equipment
- Health Insurance: comprehensive health insurance coverage through TRICARE
- Retirement Benefits: a pension plan and access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Education Benefits: access to education assistance programs, such as the GI Bill and the Coast Guard Tuition Assistance Program
Coast Guard Salary by Rank: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Coast Guard salaries:
- Q: How much does a Coast Guard member make per year? A: The annual salary for a Coast Guard member varies depending on their rank and time in service. For example, an E-3 (Seaman) with two years of service can earn around $40,000 per year, while an O-6 (Captain) with 20 years of service can earn around $150,000 per year.
- Q: Do Coast Guard members receive overtime pay? A: Yes, Coast Guard members may receive overtime pay for working more than 40 hours per week.
- Q: Can Coast Guard members receive hazardous duty pay? A: Yes, Coast Guard members may receive hazardous duty pay for performing duties that involve a high level of risk, such as search and rescue operations or marine law enforcement.
Coast Guard Salary by Rank Gallery
If you're considering a career in the Coast Guard, we hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the salary structure and benefits. Remember to stay informed about the latest pay scales and benefits, and don't hesitate to reach out to a recruiter or career counselor for more information.