Intro
Discover the Navy E4 annual salary guide, including pay scales, allowances, and benefits for Petty Officer Third Class ranks, with insights on military compensation and career advancement opportunities.
The United States Navy is one of the most prestigious and respected branches of the military, offering a wide range of career opportunities and competitive compensation packages. For those serving in the Navy, understanding the pay scale and benefits is essential for financial planning and career advancement. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Navy E4 annual salary, including the factors that affect pay, benefits, and career progression.
As a Navy E4, also known as a Petty Officer Third Class, individuals have already demonstrated their commitment and dedication to the Navy, having progressed through the initial ranks of E1 to E3. At this level, they have gained significant experience and expertise in their specific job specialty, taking on more responsibilities and leadership roles within their unit. The Navy E4 annual salary reflects this increased level of expertise and responsibility, providing a competitive compensation package that includes basic pay, allowances, and benefits.
The Navy's pay scale is based on a combination of factors, including rank, time in service, and job specialty. For a Navy E4, the basic pay range is between $2,515.70 and $3,849.90 per month, depending on the individual's time in service. This translates to an annual salary of around $30,188.40 to $46,198.80. However, this is just the starting point, as the total compensation package includes a range of allowances and benefits that can significantly increase the overall value of the salary.

In addition to basic pay, Navy E4 personnel are also eligible for a range of allowances, including Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), and Special Duty Assignment Pay. These allowances are designed to help offset the costs of living and working in the Navy, providing a more comprehensive compensation package that reflects the unique demands and challenges of military service. For example, BAH is a tax-free allowance that helps cover the costs of housing, whether on or off base, while BAS is a monthly stipend that helps cover the costs of food and other essentials.
Navy E4 Pay Scale
The Navy E4 pay scale is based on a combination of factors, including time in service and job specialty. The following table provides a breakdown of the Navy E4 pay scale, including the monthly basic pay rates for each level of time in service:
Time in Service | Monthly Basic Pay |
---|---|
2 years or less | $2,515.70 |
2-3 years | $2,638.40 |
4-6 years | $2,849.50 |
8-10 years | $3,144.90 |
12-14 years | $3,384.60 |
16-18 years | $3,625.40 |
20 years or more | $3,849.90 |

As the table shows, the Navy E4 pay scale increases with time in service, reflecting the individual's growing experience and expertise. However, it's worth noting that the pay scale can vary depending on the specific job specialty and other factors, such as deployment status and special duty assignments.
Navy E4 Benefits
In addition to the competitive pay scale, Navy E4 personnel are also eligible for a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and education assistance. The Navy's health insurance program, known as TRICARE, provides comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and pharmacy services, with minimal out-of-pocket costs. The Navy also offers a range of retirement plans, including the Thrift Savings Plan and the Navy's own retirement system, which provides a guaranteed pension after 20 years of service.

Education assistance is another key benefit for Navy E4 personnel, with programs such as the Navy College Fund and the Montgomery GI Bill providing financial support for higher education and vocational training. These programs can help individuals pursue their educational goals, whether on a part-time or full-time basis, and can be used to fund a wide range of academic and professional programs.
Navy E4 Career Progression
As a Navy E4, individuals have already demonstrated their commitment and potential for advancement. The next step in the career progression is to advance to E5, or Petty Officer Second Class, which typically requires a minimum of 4-6 years of service and completion of advanced training and education programs. At this level, individuals take on even more significant responsibilities, including leadership roles and specialized technical expertise.

To advance to E5, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements, including completion of advanced training programs, such as the Navy's Advanced Technical Field (ATF) program, and demonstration of leadership and technical expertise. They must also pass a series of evaluations and assessments, including the Navy's Advancement Exam and the Performance Evaluation.
Navy E4 Specialties
The Navy offers a wide range of specialties for E4 personnel, each with its own unique responsibilities and requirements. Some of the most common specialties include:
- Aviation Machinist's Mate (AD): responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft engines and related systems
- Electronics Technician (ET): responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electronic equipment and systems
- Hospital Corpsman (HM): responsible for providing medical care and support to Navy personnel
- Machinist's Mate (MM): responsible for maintaining and repairing shipboard machinery and equipment
- Nuclear Machinist's Mate (MMN): responsible for operating and maintaining nuclear reactors and related systems

Each specialty has its own unique requirements and challenges, and individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements, including completion of specialized training programs and demonstration of technical expertise.
Navy E4 Education and Training
The Navy provides a wide range of education and training programs for E4 personnel, designed to help individuals advance their careers and develop new skills. These programs include:
- Advanced Technical Field (ATF) program: provides advanced technical training in specific job specialties
- Navy College Fund: provides financial support for higher education and vocational training
- Montgomery GI Bill: provides financial support for higher education and vocational training
- Officer Candidate School (OCS): provides training and education for individuals seeking to become officers

These programs can help individuals pursue their educational goals, whether on a part-time or full-time basis, and can be used to fund a wide range of academic and professional programs.
Navy E4 Deployment
As a Navy E4, individuals may be deployed to a variety of locations around the world, including ships, submarines, and shore-based facilities. Deployment can be a challenging and rewarding experience, providing opportunities for individuals to develop new skills, work with different cultures, and contribute to the Navy's global mission.

Deployment can also be a significant challenge, requiring individuals to be away from family and friends for extended periods. The Navy provides a range of support services and resources to help individuals and their families cope with the challenges of deployment, including counseling, financial assistance, and family support programs.
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What is the average annual salary for a Navy E4?
+The average annual salary for a Navy E4 is around $30,188.40 to $46,198.80, depending on time in service and job specialty.
What benefits are available to Navy E4 personnel?
+Navy E4 personnel are eligible for a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, education assistance, and housing allowances.
How do I advance to E5 in the Navy?
+To advance to E5, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements, including completion of advanced training programs, demonstration of leadership and technical expertise, and passing a series of evaluations and assessments.
What are the most common specialties for Navy E4 personnel?
+The most common specialties for Navy E4 personnel include Aviation Machinist's Mate, Electronics Technician, Hospital Corpsman, Machinist's Mate, and Nuclear Machinist's Mate.
How long does it take to advance to E5 in the Navy?
+The time it takes to advance to E5 in the Navy can vary depending on individual performance and eligibility requirements, but typically requires a minimum of 4-6 years of service and completion of advanced training and education programs.
In conclusion, the Navy E4 annual salary is a competitive compensation package that reflects the individual's growing experience and expertise. With a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and education assistance, Navy E4 personnel have access to a comprehensive compensation package that supports their career advancement and personal well-being. Whether you're just starting your Navy career or looking to advance to the next level, understanding the Navy E4 annual salary and benefits can help you make informed decisions about your future. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and to explore the many resources and opportunities available to Navy E4 personnel.