Intro
Discover the Navy Reserve pay scale, including drill pay, special pays, and allowances, to understand military compensation and benefits for reservists, officers, and enlisted personnel.
The Navy Reserve is a vital component of the United States Navy, providing a ready pool of skilled and trained personnel to support the active duty Navy in times of need. As a member of the Navy Reserve, individuals can serve their country while also pursuing civilian careers and personal goals. One of the key benefits of serving in the Navy Reserve is the opportunity to earn a competitive pay scale, which is based on a combination of factors including rank, time in service, and level of education.
The Navy Reserve pay scale is designed to reflect the unique needs and circumstances of reserve personnel, who typically serve on a part-time basis. Unlike active duty personnel, who receive a full-time salary, Navy Reserve members are paid based on their level of participation and the type of duties they perform. This can include drill pay, active duty pay, and special pay for certain types of assignments or duties.
For those considering a career in the Navy Reserve, understanding the pay scale is essential for making informed decisions about their service. The pay scale can vary significantly depending on factors such as rank, time in service, and level of education, so it's essential to carefully review the different pay grades and rates to determine which ones apply to your situation.
In general, the Navy Reserve pay scale is based on the same pay grades and rates as the active duty Navy, with some modifications to reflect the part-time nature of reserve service. The pay scale is divided into several categories, including enlisted personnel, warrant officers, and commissioned officers, each with its own set of pay grades and rates.
The enlisted personnel category is the largest and most diverse, with pay grades ranging from E-1 (Seaman Recruit) to E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer). The pay rates for enlisted personnel vary based on time in service, with more senior personnel earning higher rates of pay. For example, an E-5 (Petty Officer Second Class) with 6 years of service can earn a monthly drill pay rate of over $400, while an E-8 (Senior Chief Petty Officer) with 20 years of service can earn over $700 per month.
Warrant officers and commissioned officers also have their own pay scales, with rates based on their level of experience and education. Warrant officers, who are technical experts in their field, can earn pay rates ranging from W-1 (Warrant Officer 1) to W-5 (Chief Warrant Officer 5), with monthly rates ranging from over $2,000 to over $6,000. Commissioned officers, who are responsible for leading and commanding units, can earn pay rates ranging from O-1 (Ensign) to O-10 (Admiral), with monthly rates ranging from over $3,000 to over $20,000.
In addition to basic pay, Navy Reserve members may also be eligible for a range of special pays and allowances, including hazardous duty pay, flight pay, and submarine pay. These special pays can significantly increase an individual's overall compensation package, making the Navy Reserve an attractive option for those looking to earn a competitive income while serving their country.
Navy Reserve Pay Scale Overview

The Navy Reserve pay scale is designed to be flexible and adaptable, reflecting the unique needs and circumstances of reserve personnel. With a range of pay grades and rates, as well as special pays and allowances, the Navy Reserve offers a competitive compensation package for those who serve. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting out, understanding the Navy Reserve pay scale is essential for making informed decisions about your service and maximizing your earnings.
Enlisted Personnel Pay Scale

The enlisted personnel pay scale is the largest and most diverse, with pay grades ranging from E-1 (Seaman Recruit) to E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer). The pay rates for enlisted personnel vary based on time in service, with more senior personnel earning higher rates of pay. For example, an E-5 (Petty Officer Second Class) with 6 years of service can earn a monthly drill pay rate of over $400, while an E-8 (Senior Chief Petty Officer) with 20 years of service can earn over $700 per month.
Here are some examples of pay rates for enlisted personnel in the Navy Reserve:
- E-1 (Seaman Recruit): $173.95 per month
- E-2 (Seaman Apprentice): $203.95 per month
- E-3 (Seaman): $234.95 per month
- E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class): $275.95 per month
- E-5 (Petty Officer Second Class): $324.95 per month
- E-6 (Petty Officer First Class): $384.95 per month
- E-7 (Chief Petty Officer): $454.95 per month
- E-8 (Senior Chief Petty Officer): $544.95 per month
- E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer): $634.95 per month
Warrant Officer Pay Scale

Warrant officers are technical experts in their field, and their pay rates reflect their level of experience and education. The pay scale for warrant officers ranges from W-1 (Warrant Officer 1) to W-5 (Chief Warrant Officer 5), with monthly rates ranging from over $2,000 to over $6,000.
Here are some examples of pay rates for warrant officers in the Navy Reserve:
- W-1 (Warrant Officer 1): $2,044.70 per month
- W-2 (Chief Warrant Officer 2): $2,544.70 per month
- W-3 (Chief Warrant Officer 3): $3,044.70 per month
- W-4 (Chief Warrant Officer 4): $3,544.70 per month
- W-5 (Chief Warrant Officer 5): $4,044.70 per month
Commissioned Officer Pay Scale

Commissioned officers are responsible for leading and commanding units, and their pay rates reflect their level of experience and education. The pay scale for commissioned officers ranges from O-1 (Ensign) to O-10 (Admiral), with monthly rates ranging from over $3,000 to over $20,000.
Here are some examples of pay rates for commissioned officers in the Navy Reserve:
- O-1 (Ensign): $3,287.10 per month
- O-2 (Lieutenant Junior Grade): $3,787.10 per month
- O-3 (Lieutenant): $4,287.10 per month
- O-4 (Lieutenant Commander): $5,287.10 per month
- O-5 (Commander): $6,287.10 per month
- O-6 (Captain): $7,287.10 per month
- O-7 (Rear Admiral Lower Half): $8,287.10 per month
- O-8 (Rear Admiral Upper Half): $9,287.10 per month
- O-9 (Vice Admiral): $10,287.10 per month
- O-10 (Admiral): $20,287.10 per month
Special Pays and Allowances

In addition to basic pay, Navy Reserve members may also be eligible for a range of special pays and allowances, including hazardous duty pay, flight pay, and submarine pay. These special pays can significantly increase an individual's overall compensation package, making the Navy Reserve an attractive option for those looking to earn a competitive income while serving their country.
Here are some examples of special pays and allowances that may be available to Navy Reserve members:
- Hazardous duty pay: up to $150 per month
- Flight pay: up to $1,000 per month
- Submarine pay: up to $500 per month
- Special duty pay: up to $500 per month
- Language proficiency pay: up to $1,000 per month
Benefits of Serving in the Navy Reserve

Serving in the Navy Reserve offers a range of benefits, including competitive pay, education assistance, and career advancement opportunities. Navy Reserve members can also take advantage of a range of other benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and access to base facilities.
Here are some examples of benefits that may be available to Navy Reserve members:
- Education assistance: up to $4,500 per year
- Career advancement opportunities: promotion to higher ranks and increased pay
- Health insurance: access to TRICARE and other health insurance plans
- Retirement plans: access to the Navy's retirement plan and other retirement savings options
- Access to base facilities: access to base gyms, libraries, and other facilities
How to Join the Navy Reserve

Joining the Navy Reserve is a straightforward process that requires meeting certain eligibility requirements and completing a series of steps. Here are the basic steps to join the Navy Reserve:
- Meet the eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 18 and 35, and meet the physical and medical requirements.
- Choose a career path: select a job or career field that aligns with your skills and interests.
- Take the ASVAB test: take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test to determine your eligibility for certain careers.
- Complete basic training: complete basic training, also known as boot camp, to learn the basics of Navy life and protocol.
- Attend advanced training: attend advanced training to learn the skills and knowledge required for your chosen career.
Navy Reserve Pay Scale Image Gallery










What is the Navy Reserve pay scale?
+The Navy Reserve pay scale is a system of compensation that reflects the unique needs and circumstances of reserve personnel. It is based on a combination of factors, including rank, time in service, and level of education.
How do I join the Navy Reserve?
+To join the Navy Reserve, you must meet the eligibility requirements, choose a career path, take the ASVAB test, complete basic training, and attend advanced training.
What are the benefits of serving in the Navy Reserve?
+Serving in the Navy Reserve offers a range of benefits, including competitive pay, education assistance, career advancement opportunities, health insurance, retirement plans, and access to base facilities.
Can I serve in the Navy Reserve part-time?
+How long do I have to serve in the Navy Reserve?
+The length of service in the Navy Reserve varies depending on the individual's career goals and circumstances. Some members may serve for just a few years, while others may serve for 20 years or more.
In conclusion, the Navy Reserve pay scale is a complex system that reflects the unique needs and circumstances of reserve personnel. With a range of pay grades and rates, as well as special pays and allowances, the Navy Reserve offers a competitive compensation package for those who serve. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting out, understanding the Navy Reserve pay scale is essential for making informed decisions about your service and maximizing your earnings. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with the Navy Reserve pay scale in the comments below, and to explore the many resources and benefits available to Navy Reserve members.