Coast Guard Salary By Rank

Introduction to Coast Guard Ranks and Salaries

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a unique branch of the military, operating under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and the Department of the Navy during wartime. With a wide range of responsibilities, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, marine safety, and environmental protection, the Coast Guard offers a variety of career paths for its members. Like other branches of the military, the Coast Guard has a structured ranking system, with each rank corresponding to a specific level of responsibility, experience, and salary. Understanding the Coast Guard salary by rank is essential for individuals considering a career in this branch of the military.

Enlisted Ranks and Salaries

The enlisted ranks in the Coast Guard are divided into several levels, from the entry-level E-1 (Seaman Recruit) to the highest enlisted rank, E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard). The salary for each rank is based on the member’s time in service and their rank. Here are the enlisted ranks and their corresponding salaries: - E-1 (Seaman Recruit): The starting salary for an E-1 is approximately 1,733 per month. - E-2 (Seaman Apprentice): The salary for an E-2 ranges from about 1,942 to 2,333 per month, depending on time in service. - E-3 (Seaman): For an E-3, the monthly salary is around 2,105 to 2,769. - E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class): The salary for an E-4 can range from about 2,515 to 3,344 per month. - E-5 (Petty Officer Second Class): An E-5 can earn between approximately 2,871 and 4,127 per month. - E-6 (Petty Officer First Class): The monthly salary for an E-6 ranges from about 3,319 to 5,137. - E-7 (Chief Petty Officer): For an E-7, the salary can range from approximately 3,835 to 6,112 per month. - E-8 (Senior Chief Petty Officer): An E-8 can earn between about 4,957 and 7,151 per month. - E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer): The highest enlisted rank, E-9, has a monthly salary ranging from approximately 6,114 to $8,528.

Warrant Officer Ranks and Salaries

Warrant officers in the Coast Guard hold specialized positions and are considered technical experts in their fields. The salaries for warrant officers are as follows: - W-1 (Warrant Officer): The starting salary for a W-1 is around 3,495 per month. - W-2 (Chief Warrant Officer 2): A W-2 can earn approximately 4,287 to 6,593 per month. - W-3 (Chief Warrant Officer 3): For a W-3, the monthly salary ranges from about 5,061 to 7,844. - W-4 (Chief Warrant Officer 4): The salary for a W-4 can range from approximately 6,110 to $9,411 per month.

Officer Ranks and Salaries

Commissioned officers in the Coast Guard lead and manage teams, make key decisions, and are responsible for the safety and success of their units. The salaries for officers are based on their rank and time in service: - O-1 (Ensign): The starting salary for an O-1 is approximately 3,287 per month. - O-2 (Lieutenant Junior Grade): An O-2 can earn around 3,787 to 5,241 per month. - O-3 (Lieutenant): For an O-3, the monthly salary ranges from about 4,399 to 6,501. - O-4 (Lieutenant Commander): The salary for an O-4 can range from approximately 5,334 to 8,145 per month. - O-5 (Commander): An O-5 can earn between about 6,535 to 9,692 per month. - O-6 (Captain): The monthly salary for an O-6 ranges from approximately 7,892 to 11,328. - O-7 (Rear Admiral Lower Half): For an O-7, the salary can range from about 9,414 to 14,058 per month. - O-8 (Rear Admiral Upper Half): An O-8 can earn between approximately 11,329 to 16,222 per month. - O-9 (Vice Admiral): The salary for an O-9 can range from about 14,065 to 18,303 per month. - O-10 (Admiral): The highest officer rank, O-10, has a monthly salary ranging from approximately 16,445 to $20,656.

Factors Influencing Coast Guard Salaries

Several factors can influence the salary of a Coast Guard member, including: - Time in Service: Generally, the longer a member serves, the higher their salary will be. - Rank: Each rank has a corresponding pay grade, with higher ranks receiving higher salaries. - Specialties and Bonuses: Certain specialties, such as aviation or diving, may receive additional pay. Bonuses for hazardous duty, special duty, or enlistment/re-enlistment can also increase a member’s salary. - Allowances: Members may receive allowances for housing, food, and uniforms, which can vary based on location and family status.

👮 Note: These salaries are approximate and do not include non-monetary benefits, bonuses, or allowances that may be part of the total compensation package for Coast Guard members.

Benefits of a Coast Guard Career

Beyond the financial compensation, a career in the Coast Guard offers a range of benefits, including: - Education Assistance: The Coast Guard offers tuition assistance, the GI Bill, and other education benefits to help members achieve their educational goals. - Healthcare: Coast Guard members and their families have access to comprehensive healthcare through the Military Health System. - Career Advancement Opportunities: With a wide range of specialties and continuous training, the Coast Guard provides opportunities for career advancement and professional development. - Sense of Purpose: Serving in the Coast Guard gives members a sense of purpose, as they work to protect the public, the environment, and national security.

In summary, the Coast Guard offers a competitive salary and benefits package, along with the opportunity to serve in a dynamic and rewarding career. Whether as an enlisted member, warrant officer, or commissioned officer, each role plays a vital part in the Coast Guard’s mission to protect the American people and the environment.