Navy Benefits
Financial Benefits
If you’re looking for a career that provides you with much more than a paycheck, then look to the Navy. In addition to base pay, the Navy provides:
- Living accommodations or housing allowances
- Free dining services or food allowances
- A uniform allowance
- Full healthcare benefits
In addition, Sailors at some duty stations are eligible for additional Cost of Living Allowances (COLAs). When you add it all up, your pay in the Navy will go a lot further than the same pay in a civilian job where your basic needs aren’t already covered.
Enlisted Pay Chart
In the Navy and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, pay is dependent upon rank (known as rate for enlisted personnel in the Navy) and years in service (see the chart below). Promotions depend on performance and time in service, and a Sailor has to earn an increase in rate. In general, you will be eligible for advancement from E-1 to E-2 after nine months, E-2 to E-3 after another nine months, and from E-3 to E-4 after a subsequent six months.
This graph shows the monthly salary for each of the enlisted ranks commonly reached in the first four years of enlistment. This graph is based on the pay scale effective Jan 1, 2009.
Numbers shown are monthly pre-tax earnings and do NOT include the value of housing or other allowances or benefits.
Taxes can vary; you will be taxed at the rate of your official state of residence, and some states offer special tax rates to military personnel. Housing and food allowances are not taxed!
In certain circumstances, promotions up to E-3 can come faster. One way to accelerate your Navy career is to get others to join. If you refer friends or other acquaintances that join the Navy, you can be eligible for advancement up to E-3. See your recruiter for more details.
Officer Pay Chart
Officer salaries are based on rank and time in service. The monthly pay for an ensign (O-1) upon receiving commission is $2,655.30 plus allowances and benefits. This graph shows the monthly salary for typical officers based on rank and time in service.
When calculating salary, be sure to consider the value of housing and other allowances plus benefits, which could add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the value of a Sailor’s compensation. In addition, Congress generally authorizes a military pay raise every year to reflect cost-of-living increases.
Uniforms
- Do I have to pay for the uniforms I am issued upon entrance into the Navy?
- Every recruit is issued a full allowance of uniforms. After the first year, all sailors get a uniform allowance to ensure all uniforms are kept in top shape.
- Beyond regular pay and benefits, the Navy also offers generous cash bonus programs to new recruits. These can vary depending on your level of education and chosen field. And that doesn’t include educational benefits like the Montgomery G.I. Bill and Navy Tuition Assistance. The best way to get the full picture of all the Navy has to offer is to locate your nearest recruiter and schedule an interview.
