Coast Guard Enlisted Pay: Calculate Your Salary

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 an enlisted member of the Coast Guard, your salary will be based on your rank and the number of years you have served. In this article, we will explore the Coast Guard enlisted pay scale and provide a guide on how to calculate your salary.
Coast Guard Enlisted Pay Scale

The Coast Guard enlisted pay scale is divided into nine pay grades, from E-1 (Seaman Recruit) to E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer). Each pay grade has a corresponding pay range, which increases with the number of years served. The pay scale is as follows:
Pay Grade | Rank | Minimum Pay | Maximum Pay |
---|---|---|---|
E-1 | Seaman Recruit | $1,733.40 | $1,733.40 |
E-2 | Seaman Apprentice | $1,942.50 | $2,105.70 |
E-3 | Seaman | $2,105.70 | $2,533.80 |
E-4 | Petty Officer Third Class | $2,266.40 | $3,048.90 |
E-5 | Petty Officer Second Class | $2,546.40 | $3,646.50 |
E-6 | Petty Officer First Class | $2,851.40 | $4,345.50 |
E-7 | Chief Petty Officer | $3,294.60 | $5,181.90 |
E-8 | Senior Chief Petty Officer | $4,136.40 | $6,114.60 |
E-9 | Master Chief Petty Officer | $5,069.40 | $7,151.40 |

Calculating Your Salary
To calculate your salary, you will need to know your pay grade and the number of years you have served. You can use the following steps to calculate your salary:
- Determine your pay grade based on your rank.
- Look up the minimum and maximum pay for your pay grade in the table above.
- Determine the number of years you have served and find the corresponding pay rate in the table.
- Calculate your basic pay by multiplying the pay rate by the number of years you have served.
For example, if you are a Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) with 6 years of service, your basic pay would be $3,144.90 per month.
Special Pays and Allowances

In addition to basic pay, Coast Guard enlisted members may be eligible for special pays and allowances, such as:
- Bachelor's Degree Special Pay: $100-$300 per month for enlisted members with a bachelor's degree.
- Flight Pay: $150-$250 per month for enlisted members who are qualified in a flight rating.
- Submarine Duty Pay: $100-$300 per month for enlisted members who are assigned to submarine duty.
- Hazardous Duty Pay: $150-$250 per month for enlisted members who are assigned to hazardous duty.
These special pays and allowances can increase your total salary and provide additional compensation for your service.
Benefits and Allowances
In addition to salary, Coast Guard enlisted members are eligible for a range of benefits and allowances, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): a monthly allowance to help cover the cost of housing.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): a monthly allowance to help cover the cost of food.
- Uniform Allowance: a annual allowance to help cover the cost of uniforms.
- Travel Allowance: a reimbursement for travel expenses when traveling on official business.
These benefits and allowances can help offset the cost of living and provide additional support for enlisted members and their families.
What is the starting salary for a Coast Guard enlisted member?
+The starting salary for a Coast Guard enlisted member is $1,733.40 per month, which is the minimum pay for an E-1 (Seaman Recruit).
How do I calculate my salary as a Coast Guard enlisted member?
+To calculate your salary, determine your pay grade and the number of years you have served, and then look up the corresponding pay rate in the pay scale table.
What special pays and allowances are available to Coast Guard enlisted members?
+Coast Guard enlisted members may be eligible for special pays and allowances such as Bachelor's Degree Special Pay, Flight Pay, Submarine Duty Pay, and Hazardous Duty Pay.
In conclusion, the Coast Guard enlisted pay scale provides a competitive salary for enlisted members, with opportunities for advancement and special pays and allowances. By understanding the pay scale and calculating your salary, you can better plan for your financial future and make the most of your service in the Coast Guard.