Coast Guard Base Pay Scale

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, Coast Guard personnel receive pay and benefits that are comparable to those of other military branches. The Coast Guard base pay scale is an important aspect of a Coast Guard career, as it determines the amount of money that personnel will receive for their service.

The Coast Guard base pay scale is based on a combination of factors, including rank, time in service, and occupation. Enlisted personnel, who make up the majority of the Coast Guard, are paid according to their rank and time in service. Officers, on the other hand, are paid according to their rank and time in service, as well as their occupation and level of education. The Coast Guard also offers a variety of special pays and allowances to personnel who serve in certain roles or have certain skills.

For those considering a career in the Coast Guard, understanding the base pay scale is essential. It can help individuals plan their finances, make informed decisions about their career, and ensure that they are fairly compensated for their service. In this article, we will explore the Coast Guard base pay scale in detail, including the different factors that affect pay, the various ranks and pay grades, and the special pays and allowances that are available.

Coast Guard Ranks and Pay Grades

The Coast Guard has a total of 11 enlisted ranks and 11 officer ranks. Enlisted personnel are divided into three categories: junior enlisted, non-commissioned officers, and senior enlisted. Junior enlisted personnel are those who have recently joined the Coast Guard and are still in training or have limited experience. Non-commissioned officers are those who have gained experience and have been promoted to leadership positions. Senior enlisted personnel are those who have achieved the highest ranks and have significant experience and responsibility.

Officer ranks, on the other hand, are divided into two categories: company grade officers and field grade officers. Company grade officers are those who have recently been commissioned and are still in training or have limited experience. Field grade officers are those who have gained experience and have been promoted to leadership positions.

Enlisted Pay Scale

The enlisted pay scale is based on a combination of rank and time in service. The pay scale is divided into nine pay grades, each with its own corresponding rank and pay range. The pay grades are as follows:

E-1: Seaman Recruit (SR)
E-2: Seaman Apprentice (SA)
E-3: Seaman (SN)
E-4: Petty Officer Third Class (PO3)
E-5: Petty Officer Second Class (PO2)
E-6: Petty Officer First Class (PO1)
E-7: Chief Petty Officer (CPO)
E-8: Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO)
E-9: Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO)

The pay ranges for each pay grade are as follows:

E-1: $1,733.40 - $1,733.40 per month
E-2: $1,942.50 - $2,104.70 per month
E-3: $2,105.70 - $2,367.90 per month
E-4: $2,515.80 - $3,144.90 per month
E-5: $2,851.10 - $3,864.30 per month
E-6: $3,319.50 - $4,957.40 per month
E-7: $4,136.40 - $6,114.60 per month
E-8: $5,078.40 - $7,444.80 per month
E-9: $6,139.40 - $8,925.10 per month

Officer Pay Scale

The officer pay scale is also based on a combination of rank and time in service. The pay scale is divided into 11 pay grades, each with its own corresponding rank and pay range. The pay grades are as follows:

O-1: Ensign (ENS)
O-2: Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG)
O-3: Lieutenant (LT)
O-4: Lieutenant Commander (LCDR)
O-5: Commander (CDR)
O-6: Captain (CAPT)
O-7: Rear Admiral (Lower Half) (RDML)
O-8: Rear Admiral (Upper Half) (RADM)
O-9: Vice Admiral (VA)
O-10: Admiral (ADM)

The pay ranges for each pay grade are as follows:

O-1: $3,287.10 - $4,136.40 per month
O-2: $3,787.50 - $5,078.40 per month
O-3: $4,317.60 - $6,114.60 per month
O-4: $5,135.70 - $7,444.80 per month
O-5: $6,112.90 - $8,925.10 per month
O-6: $7,332.30 - $10,801.20 per month
O-7: $8,641.50 - $12,669.30 per month
O-8: $10,111.70 - $14,643.60 per month
O-9: $11,731.20 - $16,675.50 per month
O-10: $13,656.60 - $18,813.60 per month

Special Pays and Allowances

In addition to the base pay scale, the Coast Guard also offers a variety of special pays and allowances to personnel who serve in certain roles or have certain skills. These special pays and allowances can include:

Hazardous duty pay: This pay is for personnel who serve in roles that involve hazardous duties, such as search and rescue or law enforcement.
Special duty pay: This pay is for personnel who serve in roles that require special skills or training, such as aviation or engineering.
Sea pay: This pay is for personnel who serve on ships or boats.
Submarine pay: This pay is for personnel who serve on submarines.
Flight pay: This pay is for personnel who serve as pilots or aircrew members.
Parachute pay: This pay is for personnel who serve as parachutists.
Diving pay: This pay is for personnel who serve as divers.

These special pays and allowances can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the specific role or skill.

Benefits and Bonuses

In addition to the base pay scale and special pays and allowances, the Coast Guard also offers a variety of benefits and bonuses to its personnel. These benefits and bonuses can include:

Education benefits: The Coast Guard offers a variety of education benefits, including tuition assistance and the GI Bill.
Health insurance: The Coast Guard offers health insurance to its personnel and their families.
Retirement benefits: The Coast Guard offers a retirement plan to its personnel, which includes a pension and other benefits.
Bonuses: The Coast Guard offers bonuses to personnel who serve in certain roles or have certain skills.
Special incentives: The Coast Guard offers special incentives to personnel who serve in certain roles or have certain skills, such as sign-on bonuses or retention bonuses.

These benefits and bonuses can be worth thousands of dollars per year, and can help to make a Coast Guard career more attractive and rewarding.

Gallery of Coast Guard Images

Coast Guard Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting pay for a Coast Guard enlisted personnel?

The starting pay for a Coast Guard enlisted personnel is $1,733.40 per month, which is the pay for an E-1 Seaman Recruit.

How much does a Coast Guard officer make?

A Coast Guard officer's pay can range from $3,287.10 per month for an O-1 Ensign to $18,813.60 per month for an O-10 Admiral.

What benefits does the Coast Guard offer its personnel?

The Coast Guard offers a variety of benefits to its personnel, including education benefits, health insurance, retirement benefits, and bonuses.

How do I join the Coast Guard?

To join the Coast Guard, you can visit the Coast Guard's website and fill out an application, or you can contact a Coast Guard recruiter.

What is the Coast Guard's mission?

The Coast Guard's mission is to protect the public, the environment, and the United States' economic and security interests in the maritime domain.

In conclusion, the Coast Guard base pay scale is an important aspect of a Coast Guard career, and it can vary depending on rank, time in service, and occupation. The Coast Guard also offers a variety of special pays and allowances, benefits, and bonuses to its personnel. If you are considering a career in the Coast Guard, it is essential to understand the base pay scale and the various benefits and bonuses that are available. We encourage you to share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about the Coast Guard and its pay scale. Additionally, we invite you to comment below with any questions or comments you may have about the Coast Guard or its pay scale.