U.S. Coast Guard Salary: How Much Do They Earn

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. As a member of the Coast Guard, you'll have the opportunity to serve your country while also enjoying a wide range of benefits, including a competitive salary. But how much do Coast Guard members really earn?

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the U.S. Coast Guard salary structure, including the factors that affect pay, the different pay grades, and the average salary ranges for various positions.

Factors That Affect Coast Guard Pay

Coast Guard pay is determined by a combination of factors, including:

Pay grade: The Coast Guard uses a pay grade system, which is similar to the pay grade system used by the other branches of the military. There are nine pay grades, ranging from E-1 (Seaman Recruit) to E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer).
Time in service: The longer you serve in the Coast Guard, the higher your pay will be.
Time in grade: The longer you hold a particular pay grade, the higher your pay will be.
Specialty: Certain specialties, such as aviation or engineering, may offer higher pay rates.
Location: Members who serve in certain locations, such as Alaska or Hawaii, may receive special pay allowances.

Coast Guard Pay Grades

The Coast Guard pay grades are as follows:

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 - $2,302.30 per month
E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class): $2,302.30 - $2,864.30 per month
E-5 (Petty Officer Second Class): $2,589.30 - $3,235.40 per month
E-6 (Petty Officer First Class): $2,959.40 - $3,778.10 per month
E-7 (Chief Petty Officer): $3,293.50 - $4,420.10 per month
E-8 (Senior Chief Petty Officer): $3,644.10 - $5,043.30 per month
E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer): $4,137.30 - $6,189.90 per month

Average Salary Ranges for Coast Guard Positions

Here are some average salary ranges for various Coast Guard positions:

Boatswain's Mate: $43,651 - $62,511 per year
Machinery Technician: $45,011 - $64,351 per year
Aviation Maintenance Technician: $46,513 - $66,423 per year
Electronics Technician: $47,941 - $68,441 per year
Information Systems Technician: $49,211 - $70,271 per year
Intelligence Specialist: $50,471 - $72,391 per year
Port Security Specialist: $51,641 - $74,471 per year
Rescue Swimmer: $52,781 - $76,481 per year
Search and Rescue Specialist: $53,911 - $78,471 per year

Special Pay Allowances

In addition to their base pay, Coast Guard members may also receive special pay allowances for things like:

Submarine duty: $150 - $400 per month
Aviation duty: $150 - $600 per month
Diving duty: $100 - $300 per month
Hazardous duty: $150 - $500 per month
Sea pay: $50 - $300 per month
Special operations duty: $200 - $600 per month

Education Benefits

The Coast Guard also offers education benefits to its members, including:

Tuition assistance: Up to $4,500 per year
GI Bill benefits: Up to $2,200 per month
Coast Guard scholarships: Up to $20,000 per year

Conclusion

In conclusion, the U.S. Coast Guard offers a competitive salary and benefits package to its members. With opportunities for advancement and specialized training, Coast Guard members can earn a good income while serving their country. Whether you're interested in a career in the Coast Guard or just want to learn more about the benefits and salary ranges, we hope this article has been helpful.