Intro
Discover the US Coast Guard salary and pay scale for all ranks, plus comprehensive benefits and allowances. Learn how Coast Guard compensation compares to other military branches, and explore factors affecting take-home pay. Get the inside scoop on Coast Guard salary ranges, bonuses, and special pay opportunities.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) 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 USCG, you'll have the opportunity to serve your country while also enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package. In this article, we'll explore the US Coast Guard salary pay scale and benefits guide, so you can get a better understanding of what to expect.
Why Join the US Coast Guard?
Before we dive into the salary and benefits guide, let's take a look at why joining the USCG might be a great career choice. Here are just a few reasons:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to serve your country and make a difference
- Variety of career paths and specialties to choose from
- Opportunities for advancement and professional development
- Sense of camaraderie and belonging to a tight-knit community
US Coast Guard Salary Pay Scale
The USCG uses a pay scale system similar to the other branches of the military. The pay scale is based on your rank and time in service, with higher ranks and more time in service corresponding to higher salaries.
Here is the current USCG salary pay scale:
| Rank | Pay Grade | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seaman Recruit (E-1) | E-1 | $1,733.10 |
| Seaman Apprentice (E-2) | E-2 | $1,942.50 |
| Seaman (E-3) | E-3 | $2,043.70 |
| Petty Officer Third Class (E-4) | E-4 | $2,244.90 |
| Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) | E-5 | $2,503.40 |
| Petty Officer First Class (E-6) | E-6 | $2,774.50 |
| Chief Petty Officer (E-7) | E-7 | $3,207.30 |
| Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8) | E-8 | $3,655.40 |
| Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) | E-9 | $4,144.70 |
| Chief Warrant Officer (W-2) | W-2 | $3,491.10 |
| Chief Warrant Officer (W-3) | W-3 | $3,991.20 |
| Chief Warrant Officer (W-4) | W-4 | $4,552.80 |
| Ensign (O-1) | O-1 | $3,287.10 |
| Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2) | O-2 | $3,788.20 |
| Lieutenant (O-3) | O-3 | $4,382.50 |
| Lieutenant Commander (O-4) | O-4 | $5,103.70 |
| Commander (O-5) | O-5 | $6,110.90 |
| Captain (O-6) | O-6 | $7,344.10 |
US Coast Guard Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, the USCG offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Health Insurance: The USCG offers a range of health insurance plans, including TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Extra, and TRICARE Standard.
- Dental Insurance: The USCG also offers dental insurance coverage for you and your family.
- Vision Insurance: You'll also have access to vision insurance coverage, including eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses.
- Retirement Plan: The USCG offers a comprehensive retirement plan, including a defined benefit plan and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Education Benefits: The USCG offers a range of education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and the Coast Guard Tuition Assistance Program.
- Housing Allowance: Depending on your location and rank, you may be eligible for a housing allowance to help cover the cost of living expenses.
- Food Allowance: You'll also receive a food allowance to help cover the cost of groceries.
- Special Pays: Depending on your job and location, you may be eligible for special pays, such as dive pay, flight pay, or hazardous duty pay.
US Coast Guard Special Pays
In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for special pays, depending on your job and location. Here are some examples of special pays:
- Dive Pay: If you're a qualified diver, you may be eligible for dive pay, which ranges from $150 to $400 per month.
- Flight Pay: If you're a qualified pilot or aircrew member, you may be eligible for flight pay, which ranges from $150 to $1,000 per month.
- Hazardous Duty Pay: If you're assigned to a hazardous duty, such as a shipboard or aviation duty, you may be eligible for hazardous duty pay, which ranges from $150 to $500 per month.
- Submarine Duty Pay: If you're assigned to a submarine duty, you may be eligible for submarine duty pay, which ranges from $150 to $500 per month.
US Coast Guard Education Benefits
The USCG offers a range of education benefits to help you pursue your educational goals. Here are some examples:
- Montgomery GI Bill: The Montgomery GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits, which can be used to pursue a degree or certificate.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill: The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits, which can be used to pursue a degree or certificate.
- Coast Guard Tuition Assistance Program: The Coast Guard Tuition Assistance Program provides up to $4,500 per year in tuition assistance, which can be used to pursue a degree or certificate.
US Coast Guard Retirement Plan
The USCG offers a comprehensive retirement plan, which includes a defined benefit plan and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Here are some details about the USCG retirement plan:
- Defined Benefit Plan: The defined benefit plan provides a guaranteed monthly benefit based on your years of service and final pay grade.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): The TSP is a retirement savings plan that allows you to contribute a portion of your salary to a tax-deferred retirement account.
US Coast Guard Career Paths
The USCG offers a range of career paths, including:
- Aviation: The USCG has a range of aviation careers, including pilots, aircrew members, and maintenance personnel.
- Boatswain's Mate: The Boatswain's Mate rating is responsible for deck maintenance, navigation, and seamanship.
- Cook: The Cook rating is responsible for preparing meals for Coast Guard personnel.
- Damage Controlman: The Damage Controlman rating is responsible for repairing and maintaining Coast Guard vessels.
- Electrician's Mate: The Electrician's Mate rating is responsible for maintaining and repairing electrical systems on Coast Guard vessels.
US Coast Guard Ranks
The USCG has a range of ranks, including:
- Seaman Recruit (E-1): The lowest rank in the USCG, Seaman Recruit is the entry-level rank for new enlistees.
- Seaman Apprentice (E-2): Seaman Apprentice is the second-lowest rank in the USCG, and is typically held by personnel who have completed basic training.
- Seaman (E-3): Seaman is the third-lowest rank in the USCG, and is typically held by personnel who have completed a year of service.
- Petty Officer Third Class (E-4): Petty Officer Third Class is the lowest rank of petty officer in the USCG, and is typically held by personnel who have completed two years of service.
- Petty Officer Second Class (E-5): Petty Officer Second Class is the second-lowest rank of petty officer in the USCG, and is typically held by personnel who have completed three years of service.
US Coast Guard Image Gallery
Conclusion
Joining the USCG can be a great career choice, offering a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and a range of career paths to choose from. Whether you're interested in aviation, boatswain's mate, or another rating, the USCG has something for everyone. With its rich history, proud tradition, and commitment to serving the country, the USCG is an organization that you can be proud to be a part of.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to the USCG salary pay scale and benefits. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about joining the USCG, please don't hesitate to reach out.