Understanding the coast guard salary by rank is essential for those interested in joining the United States Coast Guard or for current members looking to advance their careers. The salary structure within the Coast Guard is designed to reward experience, skills, and responsibilities. In this article, we will explore the various ranks within the Coast Guard and the corresponding salaries for each rank, providing a comprehensive overview of the compensation structure.
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States armed forces responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. The Coast Guard operates both domestically and internationally, with a diverse range of missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime enforcement. With a variety of ranks available, each with its own set of responsibilities and compensation, the Coast Guard offers a rewarding career path for those with a passion for maritime service.
Enlisted Ranks
The enlisted ranks in the Coast Guard are structured to recognize the level of experience and skill of the members. The following is a list of the enlisted ranks and their corresponding salaries, based on the pay scale as of 2021:
1. Seaman Apprentice (SA) – $24,418 per year
2. Seaman (SN) – $27,749 per year
3. Fireman (FM) – $30,537 per year
4. Boatswain’s Mate (BM) – $33,325 per year
5. Electronics Technician (ET) – $36,113 per year
6. Gunner’s Mate (GM) – $38,901 per year
7. Machinist’s Mate (MM) – $41,689 per year
8. Interior Communications Electrician (ICE) – $44,477 per year
9. Storekeeper (SK) – $47,265 per year
10. Damage Controlman (DC) – $49,053 per year
11. Hospital Corpsman (HC) – $51,841 per year
12. Boatswain’s Mate (BM) – $54,629 per year
13. Electronics Technician (ET) – $57,417 per year
14. Gunner’s Mate (GM) – $60,205 per year
15. Machinist’s Mate (MM) – $62,993 per year
16. Interior Communications Electrician (ICE) – $65,781 per year
17. Storekeeper (SK) – $68,569 per year
18. Damage Controlman (DC) – $71,357 per year
19. Hospital Corpsman (HC) – $74,145 per year
20. Boatswain’s Mate (BM) – $76,933 per year
Officer Ranks
The officer ranks in the Coast Guard are designed to lead and manage the enlisted personnel and support the mission of the service. The following is a list of the officer ranks and their corresponding salaries, based on the pay scale as of 2021:
1. Officer Candidate (OC) – $40,000 per year
2. Ensign (E1) – $44,000 per year
3. Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) – $48,000 per year
4. Lieutenant (LT) – $52,000 per year
5. Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) – $56,000 per year
6. Commander (CDR) – $60,000 per year
7. Captain (CAPT) – $64,000 per year
8. Rear Admiral Lower Half (RADM) – $68,000 per year
9. Rear Admiral Upper Half (RADM) – $72,000 per year
10. Vice Admiral (VADM) – $76,000 per year
11. Admiral (AD) – $80,000 per year
Benefits and Advancements
In addition to competitive salaries, the Coast Guard offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, and tuition assistance. Members of the Coast Guard may also be eligible for promotions and advancements based on their performance, education, and experience.
Conclusion
Understanding the coast guard salary by rank is crucial for anyone considering a career in the Coast Guard. With a variety of ranks and corresponding salaries, the Coast Guard provides a rewarding and stable career path for those with a passion for maritime service. By recognizing the importance of experience, skills, and responsibilities, the Coast Guard ensures that its members are compensated fairly for their contributions to the service.
