Intro
Discover the Coast Guard salary ranges, from entry-level to senior positions, and learn what to expect with a 5-figure income. Explore the factors influencing Coast Guard pay, including rank, location, and experience, and get an inside look at the benefits and bonuses that come with serving in the Coast Guard.
The United States Coast Guard is a unique branch of the military that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime. As a branch of the military, the Coast Guard offers a competitive salary and benefits package to its members. If you're considering a career in the Coast Guard, you're likely wondering what kind of salary you can expect. In this article, we'll break down the Coast Guard salary structure and provide you with an idea of what to expect.
The Coast Guard uses a pay grade system to determine salaries, which is based on rank and time in service. The pay grades range from E-1 to E-9 for enlisted members and O-1 to O-6 for officers. In addition to base pay, Coast Guard members also receive a variety of allowances and benefits, including housing, food, and education assistance.
Enlisted Coast Guard Salary
Enlisted members in the Coast Guard are divided into nine pay grades, ranging from E-1 (Seaman Recruit) to E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer). The salary for enlisted members is based on their pay grade and time in service. Here is a breakdown of the average annual salary for enlisted Coast Guard members:
- E-1 (Seaman Recruit): $20,796 - $23,964 per year
- E-2 (Seaman Apprentice): $23,964 - $26,604 per year
- E-3 (Seaman): $26,604 - $30,936 per year
- E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class): $30,936 - $36,696 per year
- E-5 (Petty Officer Second Class): $36,696 - $43,452 per year
- E-6 (Petty Officer First Class): $43,452 - $52,244 per year
- E-7 (Chief Petty Officer): $52,244 - $63,204 per year
- E-8 (Senior Chief Petty Officer): $63,204 - $76,812 per year
- E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer): $76,812 - $92,580 per year
Officer Coast Guard Salary
Officer salaries in the Coast Guard are also based on pay grade and time in service. The pay grades for officers range from O-1 to O-6. Here is a breakdown of the average annual salary for officer Coast Guard members:
- O-1 (Ensign): $39,445 - $53,644 per year
- O-2 (Lieutenant Junior Grade): $53,644 - $71,524 per year
- O-3 (Lieutenant): $71,524 - $93,476 per year
- O-4 (Lieutenant Commander): $93,476 - $122,884 per year
- O-5 (Commander): $122,884 - $157,416 per year
- O-6 (Captain): $157,416 - $203,956 per year
Allowances and Benefits
In addition to base pay, Coast Guard members also receive a variety of allowances and benefits, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): This allowance is provided to help members pay for housing expenses.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): This allowance is provided to help members pay for food expenses.
- Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): This allowance is provided to help members pay for living expenses in high-cost areas.
- Education Assistance: The Coast Guard offers education assistance programs to help members pay for college or vocational training.
- Health Insurance: The Coast Guard offers comprehensive health insurance to its members and their families.
Retirement Benefits
The Coast Guard offers a comprehensive retirement benefits package to its members. After 20 years of service, members are eligible to retire and receive a pension. The pension is based on the member's final pay grade and years of service.
Conclusion
The Coast Guard salary structure is competitive with other branches of the military. With a range of pay grades and allowances, members can expect to earn a good income while serving in the Coast Guard. In addition to salary, the Coast Guard offers a comprehensive benefits package, including education assistance, health insurance, and retirement benefits. If you're considering a career in the Coast Guard, it's essential to understand the salary structure and benefits package.
Coast Guard Salary Image Gallery
How much does a Coast Guard member make?
+The salary for Coast Guard members varies based on pay grade and time in service. Enlisted members can expect to earn between $20,796 and $92,580 per year, while officers can expect to earn between $39,445 and $203,956 per year.
What benefits do Coast Guard members receive?
+Coast Guard members receive a variety of benefits, including Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), education assistance, health insurance, and retirement benefits.
How long do I have to serve to receive retirement benefits?
+Coast Guard members are eligible to retire and receive a pension after 20 years of service.