Intro
Discover the top 5 US Coast Guard officer salary ranges, including average pay scales, bonuses, and benefits. Learn about the salary structures for various officer positions, from ensign to admiral, and understand how factors like rank, time-in-grade, and location impact Coast Guard officer compensation and career advancement opportunities.
The United States Coast Guard 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 result, the pay scales for Coast Guard officers are similar to those of the Navy, but with some differences. Here are the top 5 US Coast Guard officer salary ranges:
1. Admiral (O-10)
The highest rank in the Coast Guard is Admiral, which is equivalent to a four-star general in the Army or Air Force. Admirals in the Coast Guard are responsible for leading the entire organization and making strategic decisions.
- Basic Pay: $203,500 - $245,000 per year
- Allowances: $20,000 - $50,000 per year
- Bonuses: $10,000 - $20,000 per year
- Total Compensation: $233,500 - $315,000 per year
Qualifications and Experience
To become an Admiral in the Coast Guard, an officer typically needs to have at least 30 years of service and have held senior leadership positions, such as Commander of a Coast Guard district or Deputy Commander of a Coast Guard area.
2. Vice Admiral (O-9)
The second-highest rank in the Coast Guard is Vice Admiral, which is equivalent to a three-star general in the Army or Air Force. Vice Admirals in the Coast Guard are responsible for leading large organizations, such as Coast Guard districts or areas.
- Basic Pay: $185,000 - $220,000 per year
- Allowances: $15,000 - $30,000 per year
- Bonuses: $5,000 - $10,000 per year
- Total Compensation: $205,000 - $260,000 per year
Qualifications and Experience
To become a Vice Admiral in the Coast Guard, an officer typically needs to have at least 25 years of service and have held senior leadership positions, such as Commander of a Coast Guard sector or Deputy Commander of a Coast Guard district.
3. Rear Admiral (O-8)
The rank of Rear Admiral is the third-highest in the Coast Guard and is equivalent to a two-star general in the Army or Air Force. Rear Admirals in the Coast Guard are responsible for leading medium-sized organizations, such as Coast Guard sectors or smaller districts.
- Basic Pay: $165,000 - $200,000 per year
- Allowances: $10,000 - $20,000 per year
- Bonuses: $2,000 - $5,000 per year
- Total Compensation: $177,000 - $225,000 per year
Qualifications and Experience
To become a Rear Admiral in the Coast Guard, an officer typically needs to have at least 20 years of service and have held leadership positions, such as Commander of a Coast Guard cutter or Executive Officer of a Coast Guard sector.
4. Captain (O-6)
The rank of Captain is the fourth-highest in the Coast Guard and is equivalent to a colonel in the Army or Air Force. Captains in the Coast Guard are responsible for leading small to medium-sized organizations, such as Coast Guard cutters or small shore units.
- Basic Pay: $115,000 - $145,000 per year
- Allowances: $5,000 - $10,000 per year
- Bonuses: $1,000 - $2,000 per year
- Total Compensation: $121,000 - $157,000 per year
Qualifications and Experience
To become a Captain in the Coast Guard, an officer typically needs to have at least 15 years of service and have held leadership positions, such as Executive Officer of a Coast Guard cutter or Department Head of a Coast Guard shore unit.
5. Commander (O-5)
The rank of Commander is the fifth-highest in the Coast Guard and is equivalent to a lieutenant colonel in the Army or Air Force. Commanders in the Coast Guard are responsible for leading small organizations, such as Coast Guard shore units or small boats.
- Basic Pay: $85,000 - $120,000 per year
- Allowances: $3,000 - $6,000 per year
- Bonuses: $500 - $1,000 per year
- Total Compensation: $88,500 - $127,000 per year
Qualifications and Experience
To become a Commander in the Coast Guard, an officer typically needs to have at least 10 years of service and have held leadership positions, such as Department Head of a Coast Guard shore unit or Officer in Charge of a Coast Guard boat.
US Coast Guard Officer Salary Ranges Image Gallery
What is the highest rank in the Coast Guard?
+The highest rank in the Coast Guard is Admiral (O-10).
How much does a Coast Guard Admiral make?
+A Coast Guard Admiral can make between $233,500 and $315,000 per year.
What is the difference between a Coast Guard Captain and a Commander?
+A Coast Guard Captain (O-6) is a higher rank than a Commander (O-5). A Captain typically has more seniority and experience than a Commander.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information about the top 5 US Coast Guard officer salary ranges. If you have any further questions or would like to know more about Coast Guard careers, please don't hesitate to ask.