U.S. Coast Guard Ranks Ordered By Seniority 2023

The U.S. Coast Guard takes charge in a wide range of maritime duties from ensuring lawful commerce and safety to performing missions in serious conditions. Currently, it is estimated that there are 42,000 Coast Guard active members who are defending America’s borders and protecting the maritime environment from any danger.

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) belongs to the Department of Homeland Security in peacetime and the Navy in wartime. Its proud multi-missions includes Port & Waterway Security, Drug Interdiction, Navigation, Search & Rescue, Living Marine Resources, Marine Safety, Defense Readiness, Migrant Interdiction, Marine Environmental Protection, Ice Operations, Law Enforcement.

The USCG is made up of 24 grades of enlisted seamen and officers. The entry-level rank is Seaman Recruit and the highest rank in the Coast Guard is Admiral. More specifically, USCG ranks are divided into four pay grade categories:

Enlisted (E-1 through E-3)
Petty officers (E-4 through E-9)
Warrant officers (CWO-2 through CWO-4)
Officers (O-1 through O-10)

In this paper, we will take a closer look at the U.S. The Coast Guard ranks are ordered by seniority consisting of rank insignia, classification, job duties, leadership responsibilities, rank classification, monthly basic pay, pay grade and corresponding insignia.

1. U.S. Coast Guard Ranks: Enlisted (E1 through E-3)

In the United States Coast Guard, the enlisted personnel are either completing their basic training courses or already to get training for leadership roles.

1.1. Seaman Recruit

Class: Seaman

Abbr.: SR

Title: Seaman (last name)

Paygrade: E-1 (DoD Pay Grade); OR-1 (NATO Code)

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $1,833

The lowest enlisted member of the U.S. Coast Guard is the Seaman Recruit, also known as Seaman Third Class . An entry -level recruit is responsible for familiarizing themselves with the coast guard’s culture and surviving the department’s intensive basic training course. The U.S. Seaman Recruits put on a single bar insignia on a blue background on their dress uniform.

You might become a Seaman Recruit even if you don’t have experience, but you are required to meet the following requirements as follows:

You are a US citizen or Resident Alien
You are aged between 17 and 27
You have a High School diploma, and no more than two dependents.
You must have passed the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, as well as a military entrance medical exam. Learn more about questions on the ASVAB and Coast Guard ASVAB Score.

Every one to two years, the Seaman Recruit’s basic pay is automatically increased. Furthermore, in addition to a monthly basic earnings a Coast Guard Seaman Recruit may be bestowed a variety of allowances and bonus pay comprising retirement benefits, education allowance, housing allowance, and more.

1.2. Seaman Apprentice

*The U.S. Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice Insignia*

Class: Seaman

Abbr.: SA

Title: Seaman (last name)

Paygrade: E-2 (DoD Pay Grade); OR-2 (NATO Code)

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $2,055

The Seaman Recruit is finally qualified to be promoted to Seaman Apprentice (SA) after completing the program for the basic training course. The SA is the Coast Guard member with the second lowest rank and the first to receive a rank insignia.

They will be assigned to their respective units as Seaman Apprentices to train and hone their skills: deck and administrative; fireman or engineering & hull; and airman or aviation

The second-lowest enlisted rank in the United States Coast Guard, directly above Seaman Recruit and below Seaman, is Seaman Apprentice, formerly known as Seaman Second Class. Depending on their operational specialty, sailors who receive this grade are given the following titles and color-coded rank insignias:

General-duty deck and administrative sailors, who don a double white striped insignia, are given the title “Seaman Apprentice.”
The title “Fireman Apprentice” is given to sailors who work in the engineering and hull departments and who don a double red striped insignia.
Sailors who specialize in the hospital and medical fields are given the titles of “Hospital Apprentice” or “Hospital Corpsman.” Hospital corpsman dons double white striped insignia.
The title “Constructionman Apprentice” is given to sailors who specialize in the Seabees, a naval construction battalion. They are identified by two blue stripes.
Sailors who specialize in aviation are given the title “Airman Apprentice” and are identified by double-green-striped insignia.

The most common promotion for a Seaman Apprentice is from Seaman Recruit (SR), though promotions from lower pay grades are possible with enough evidence of leadership and experience.

After successfully completing the eight-week basic training course (boot camp), promotion from E-1 to E-2 is automatic. With this promotion, he or she will receive their first unit posting, giving them the chance to further research and map out their future career paths within the Coast Guard.

Every one to two years, the Seaman Recruit’s basic pay is automatically increased. Furthermore, in addition to a monthly basic earnings a Coast Guard Seaman Recruit may be bestowed a variety of allowances and bonus pay comprising hostile fire pay, housing allowance, food allowance, and more

1.3. Seaman

Class: Seaman

Abbr.: SN

Title: Seaman (last name)

Paygrade: E-3 (DoD Pay Grade); OR-3 (NATO Code)

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $2,161

Depending on the position they have been assigned, the Seaman’s (SN) official title varies. Their SN title stays the same if they are a member of both the deck and administration. They are known as Fireman (FN) in the hull and engineering, and Airman (AN) in aviation. Depending on the position to which they are assigned, seamen have different responsibilities and duties. However, the SN’s primary responsibilities include routine ship maintenance and repair, damage control, emergency response, store administration, and ceremonial duties. They must also study under a higher-ranked Seaman to gain hands-on job experience.

The Seaman must also obtain a rating, which can be done through a Striker Program (on-the-job training) or by enrolling in a Class A School for advanced technical training. Sailors working in various specialties have a variety of titles and ranks, but they all receive the same pay and rank grade.

General-duty administrative and deck sailors are given the title of seaman, and they dress in a uniform with three white stripes.
Sailors who work in the engineering and hull departments are given the title “fireman“, and they don a triple red striped insignia.
Sailors who specialize in the hospital and medical fields are given the title “Hospitalman” or “Hospital Corpsman.” They wear triple white striped insignia.
Sailors who specialize in the Seabees, the naval construction battalion, are given the title of constructionman. They wear triple blue-striped insignia.
Sailors who specialize in aviation are given the title “airman” and they don triple green striped insignia. Although they are allowed to wear a silver collar device designating their rank, sailors in this grade do not wear their stripes on their working uniforms.

Sailors who wish to advance to rank E-3, Petty Officer Third Class, must submit a promotion request every six months – however, competition for advancement is very large, and only the most able seamen will receive promotions. The most common promotion for a seaman is from the rank of Seaman Apprentice (SA), though promotions from lower pay grades are also possible with enough evidence of leadership and experience.

Every one to two years, a Seaman’s basic pay is automatically increased. A Coast Guard Seaman may be entitled to several different types of allowances and bonus pay in addition to his or her monthly basic salary, including education and retirement benefits.

>>>> See Also: U.S. Navy Ranks

2. U.S. Coast Guard Ranks: Petty Officer ( E-4 through E-9)

2.1. Petty Officer Third Class

*The U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Insignia*

Class: Petty Officer

Abbr.: PO3

Title: Petty Officer (last name)

Paygrade: E-4 (DoD Pay Grade) OR-4 (NATO Code)

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $2,393

The noncommissioned officers’ lowest rank is Petty Officer Third Class (PO3). In contrast to earlier Coast Guard ranks, the PO3 now needs to prove and hone its dual prowess in technical and designated occupational specialty skills. Additionally, High Year Tenure (HYT) is applicable to Petty Officer Third Class. This means that a PO3 must advance to the next rank within eight years, failing which they will be forced to leave the military.

Petty Officer Third Class is the lowest grade of a Petty Officer, which is the equivalent of a non-commissioned officer in the Coast Guard. A Petty Officer Third Class performs both leadership and technical expertise duties. Each Petty Officer has a specific rating, or job. Depending on the petty officer’s specialty, different titles are used to refer to them. For example, a Petty Officer Third Class who works as a Machinist’s Mate would be given the full title of Machinist’s Mate Third Class. A Petty Officer Third Class is most often promoted from Seaman (SN), although promotion from lower pay grades may occur with sufficient display of leadership and experience.

In contrast to how it is typically the case for the lower enlisted pay grades E-1 to E-3, promotion to E-4 Petty Officer Third Class is not a given. On the recommendation of the commanding officer, some highly desired technical ratings may advance following Class “A” School training or six months of Time in Grade (TIG) on a “striker” program. However, the majority of E-3s will need to compete for the few positions (“billets”) that become available every six months in order to move up to E-4.

2.2. Petty Officer Second Class

*The U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Insignia*

Class: Petty Officer

Abbr.: PO2

Title: Petty Officer (last name)

Paygrade: E-5 (DoD Pay Grade); OR-5 (NATO Code)

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $2,610

The junior non-commissioned officer equivalent in the Coast Guard is a Petty Officer Second Class, the second grade of petty officers. All Petty Officers have a specific rating, or job, and a Petty Officer Second Class performs both leadership and technical expertise duties. The precise title used to refer to a petty officer depends on their area of expertise; for instance, a Petty Officer Second Class working as a Gunner’s Mate would have the full title of Gunner’s Mate Second Class.

When a PO3 succeeds in moving up, they are given additional responsibilities that will put their leadership, technical, and specialty skills to the test. Additionally, the Petty Officer Second is qualified to carry out federal customs duties and enforce maritime law.

Similar to the PO3, the PO2 is governed by the High Year Tenure (HYT) pathway. They have 14 years to develop and demonstrate their abilities in their position in order to be considered for the promotion. In case of noncompliance, involuntary separation from service will occur.

Similar to the promotion from Seaman to Petty Officer Third Class, sailors must pass a specialty test for their specific rating and submit an application for advancement every six months to be promoted from Petty Officer Third Class to Petty Officer Second Class. There are only a limited number of Petty Officer Second Class billets available each year, and among qualified candidates, competition for promotion is fierce.

A Petty Officer Second Class is most often promoted from Petty Officer Third Class (PO3), although promotion from lower pay grades may occur with sufficient display of leadership and experience. In order to advance from E-4 to E-5 in the US Coast Guard, one must complete at least six months of Time in Grade (TIG) and pass the Service-Wide Exam (SWE), which is required of all ratings. Total Time in Service (TIS) contributes to the advancement point total. Candidates must pass rating exams in the technical specialty of their choice and apply for available positions (called “billets”). The candidates for the posts are chosen based on their point totals.

2.3. Petty Officer First Class

*The U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class Insignia*

Class: Petty Officer

Abbr.: PO1

Title: Petty Officer (last name)

Paygrade: E-6 (DoD Pay Grade); OR-6 (NATO Code)

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $2,849

The Petty Officer First Class (PO1) are expected to have technical mastery, designated occupational specialty skills, and leadership abilities as well. They might take bachelor’s degrees through a “C” school to hone their skills.

Generally speaking, the Petty Officer First Class responsibilities are to act as a maritime law enforcement body and act as a federal customs officer. If the PO1 isn’t promoted to the next rank before their 20th year in service, they will get the sack. A non-commissioned officer ranking Petty Officer First Class typically serves as the Leading Petty Officer (LPO) of a division to hoard leadership skills for the promotion to Chief Petty Officer.

The exact title with which a petty officer is addressed depends on their specialty; a Petty Officer First Class serving as an Electronics Technician, for example, would have the full title of Electronics Technician First Class.In fact, a certain number of Petty Officer First Class billets are available to be filled annually, therefore, you should make yourself stand out among qualified applicants in the fierce competition for promotion.

More specifically, to advance to Petty Officer First Class, sailors must take a specialty test for their particular rating and apply for advancement every 6 months, in March and September of every year. Furthermore, you are required to serve in the Coast Guard at least 3 years and have a recommendation from a commanding officer.

2.4. Chief Petty Officer

*The U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Insignia*

Class: Chief Petty Officer

Abbr.: CPO

Title: Chief Petty Officer (last name)

Paygrade: E-7 (DoD Pay Grade);OR-7 (NATO Code)

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $3,294

Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer rank possesses vastly expanded powers and takes on responsibilities over those below it. A chief petty officer, who has refined their specialty technical skills and has proven their leadership abilities, is also in charge of training the newly-commissioned officers and leading his division of sailors and petty officers. Furthermore, they are responsible for carrying out administrative duties

Being a Chief Petty Officer (CPO) is an important milestone in an enlisted coast guard career because you must undergo a rigorous process of promotion. More specifically, you have to take specialty testing and have commander recommendation. Besides, you must successfully pass a review by their peers, the senior petty officers with which they have served.

Additionally, unless they earn a rank promotion within 24 years of service, they might take a mandatory retirement from the United States Coast Guard. Typically, the Petty Officer First Class (PO1) is promoted to Chief Petty Officer. However, lower pay grades may get promotion if they have sufficient leadership and experience.

2.5. Senior Chief Petty Officer

*The U.S. Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer Insignia*

Class: Chief Petty Officer

Abbr.: SCPO

Title: Chief Petty Officer (last name)

Paygrade: E-8 (DoD Pay Grade); OR-8 (NATO Code)

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $4,739

The Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) which is the second of the United States Coast Guard’s Chief Petty Officer ranks possesses more authority in their unit’s administrative, technical, and leadership roles than the Chief Petty Officers. Additionally, they play a more important role in training the junior commissioned officers.

The full rank for a Senior Chief Petty Officer typically consists of his or her rating like other Coast Guard. For instance, the title of Senior Chief Quartermaster is given to a Senior Chief Petty Officer who is serving as a Quartermaster.

On the first hand, in case you want to get a promotion from CPO, you must enroll in the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy, with a focus on professionalism, leadership, communications and systems thinking and lifelong learning.

On the second hand, to get advanced to a higher rank, the Senior Chief Petty must overcome a rigorous process. More specifically, a board of current Master Chief Petty Officers will evaluate the leadership skills and performance of the SCPO candidates in March of every year.

Bear in mind that Time in Service (TIS), superior evaluation and examination scores, additional points for awards, and Time in Grade (TIG) are vital factors which affect advancement of SCPO.

2.6. Master Chief Petty Officer

*The U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer Insignia*

Class: Chief Petty Officer

Abbr.: MCPO

Title: Chief Petty Officer (last name)

Paygrade: E-9 (DoD Pay Grade) OR-9 (NATO Code)

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $5,789

The MCPO or Master Chief Petty Officers, who have the high enlisted position in the United States Coast Guard, are experts in their chosen field of specialty with a proven track record in leadership. They also command select small vessels and Coast Guard stations.

Participating in a highly-competitive Command Master Chief Petty Officer Program is compulsory for all Master Chief Officers to advance in rank.

No more than 1% of the Coast Guard’s personnel who are the best and the brightest in their respective specialties achieve the rank of Master Chief. On top of a stringent series of evaluations and service time requirements, you must overcome the review by a sitting board of Master Chiefs to become a Master Chief Officer from Master Chief Petty Officer.

2.7. Fleet / Command Master Chief Petty Officer

*The U.S. Coast Guard Command Master Chief Petty Officer Insignia*

Class: Chief Petty Officer

Abbr.: CMC

Title: Command Master Chief Petty Officer (last name)

Paygrade: E-9

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $5,789.10 – $8,988.90

The Command Master Chief Petty Officer (CMC), acting as a liaison officer to work between the enlisted corps and the Coast Guard headquarters, is a senior enlisted officer at the command level.

CMCs are responsible for assisting sea and shore commands in all military issues regarding personnel discipline, training, morale, living conditions, and technical challenges. It is known that The Command Master Chief Petty Officers (CMC) are experts in their respective fields. They wear distinctive gold badges, known as command identification badges, with two stars indicating whether they are in a command position at an area or command level to identify themselves as such.

2.8. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard

Class: Chief Petty Officer (Special)

Abbr.: MCPOC

Title: Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (last name)

Paygrade: E-9

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $5,789.10 – $8,988.90

The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG), who holds the highest senior enlisted officer ranking, represents the sailors as a whole. The MCPOCGs take charge of upholding and promoting the well-being of the enlisted personnel via building clear communication lines with their personnel.

Additionally, the Master Chief Petty Officers of the Coast Guard acts as a spokesman for the Coast Guard to deal with pressing concerns relating to policy, military benefits and entitlements, or training, etc. and offer counsel for their commands.

>>> See More: U.S. Air Force Enlisted Ranks

3. U.S. Coast Guard Ranks: Warrant Officers (CWO-2 through CWO-4)

Warrant Officers, who are positioned above enlisted officers and under commissioned officers, are considered as the commissioned specialists in the field.

3.1. Chief Warrant Officer 2

*The U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2*

Class: Chief Warrant Officer

Abbr.: CWO-2

Title: Mr. (last name) or Chief (last name)

Paygrade: W-2

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $3,872.10 – $6,462.90

A Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO-2) is the entry-level warrant officer rank in the US Coast Guard since the Warrant Officer rank (W-1) was discontinued in 1975. Chief Warrant Officers 2 are known as highly-trained specialists. Having eight years of service as a noncommissioned officer and demonstrating your expertise in your selected field of specialty are prerequisites to become a chief warrant officer.

3.2. Chief Warrant Officer 3

*The U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer 3*

Class : Chief Warrant Officer

Abbr.: CWO-3

Title: Mr. (last name) or Chief (last name)

Paygrade: W-3

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $4,376.40 – $7,676.40

The middle level of warrant officer rank is the Chief Warrant Officer 3. In contrast to other nations’ military organizations, the US armed forces consider warrant officers to be in a separate class from commissioned officers rather than the most senior other ranks. This warrant officer class (W) is below the commissioned officer ranks, which start with pay grade O-1, but above the highest enlisted rank, which ends with pay grade E-9.

The Chief Warrant Officer is best characterized as a top technical expert who is exceptionally knowledgeable in his or her field. The Chief Warrant Officer takes the same oath as other officers and is commissioned by the President of the United States like other officers. He or she receives an appointment (or “billet”) to a placement in a warrant specialty.

A Chief Warrant Officer may be appointed to command a small vessel, unit, or station within the Coast Guard, but their primary role is as a technical expert who offers commissioned officers invaluable insight and counsel. Additionally, the Chief Warrant Officer frequently performs counseling and training duties. Promotion to this rank occurs overtime. Moreover, warrant officers who wish to move up their ranks to the chief warrant officers must attend the Lieutenant Program.

3.3. Chief Warrant Officer 4

*The U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4*

Class: Chief Warrant Officer

Abbr.: CWO-4

Title: Mr. (last name) or Chief (last name)

Paygrade: W-4

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $4,791.90 – $8,925.60

Although a Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO-5) position has been available in the US Coast Guard since 1994, this rank is not currently in use. The highest level warrant officer rank currently in use by the US Coast Guard is Chief Warrant Officer 4, or CWO-4. The Chief Warrant Officer takes the same oath as other officers and is commissioned by the President of the United States like other officers. He or she receives an appointment (or “billet”) to a placement in a warrant specialty.

The Chief Warrant Officer is required to take the two-week Chief Warrant Officer Professional Development Course within the first year of being appointed in order to fill the leadership competency gap between the enlisted and warrant classes. Promotion to this rank occurs overtime. Moreover, warrant officers who wish to move up their ranks to the chief warrant officers must attend the Lieutenant Program.

A Chief Warrant Officer may be chosen to command a small vessel, unit, or station within the Coast Guard, but their primary role is as a technical specialist who offers commissioned officers invaluable insight and counsel. Additionally, the Chief Warrant Officer frequently performs counseling and training duties.

>>> See More: the U.S. Marine Corps enlisted ranks

4. U.S. Coast Guard Ranks: Commissioned Officer (O-1 through O-10)

The Commissioned Officers, who hold the highest ranks in the Coast Guard, were appointed by by the President

4.1. Ensign

Class: Junior Officer

Abbr.: ENS

Title: Ensign (last name)

Paygrade: O-1

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $3,477.30 – $4,375.50

The Ensigns, who hold a junior-ranked commissioned officer ranking, have authority over a group of petty officers and enlisted personnel and receive on-the-job training. Once appointed, an Ensign must complete the initial 3-year mandatory service.

4.2. Lieutenant Junior Grade

*The U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Junior Grade Insignia*

Class: Junior Officer

Abbr.: LTJG

Title: Lieutenant (last name)

Paygrade: O-2

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $4,006.50 – $5,544.30

On top of acting as billeted division officers on board a Coast Guard vessel or at a shore station, Lieutenant Officers focus on developing their specialty skills, leadership abilities, and professionalism. The junior commissioned officer rank of Lieutenant (Junior Grade), also referred to as a “JayGee,” is the one above Ensign and below Lieutenant. Besides, they also spend most of the time on board leading a department.

A Lieutenant Junior Grade’s primary responsibility is to give special attention to honing his or her specialty skills, professionalism, and leadership abilities within the Coast Guard. The junior officer is expected to be a fighter, sailor, policeman, humanitarian, regulator, protector of the marine environment and coastline, and diplomat due to the multi-mission nature of the Coast Guard.

The junior officer’s career development depends on how well he or she completes each assignment, which is intended to test their abilities. Lieutenants Junior Grade are also encouraged to continue taking formal education courses in their area of expertise in order to advance their careers.

4.3. Lieutenant

*The U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Insignia*

Class: Junior Officer

Abbr.: LT

Title: Lieutenant (last name)

Paygrade: O-3

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $4,636.50 – $7,543.50

The Lieutenants positioning the highest junior-level rank among the commissioned officers place more focus on enhancing their specialty skills for the next level. Typically, a Lieutenant Coast Guardsman is in charge of a division’s crew of sailors and petty officers. In charge of a department, such as the deck, where a sizable portion of junior enlisted ranks (E-1 to E-3) have finished their 90 days of Temporary Assigned Duty (TAD), the Lieutenant serves as First Lieutenant on board large vessels. Servicing and maintaining, cleaning, organizing, and inventorying take up a significant amount of time.

The Lieutenant’s primary focus as a junior officer is on honing his or her qualifications in a Coast Guard specialty while also developing a special set of abilities appropriate for a position that combines military and law enforcement duties.

4.4. Lieutenant Commander

*The U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Insignia*

Class: Junior Officer

Abbr.: LCDR

Title: Lieutenant Commander (last name)

Paygrade: O-4

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $5,273.70 – $8,805.30

The mid-ranking commissioned officer is the Lieutenant Commander with countless years of service and extensive expertise. Typically, the LCDR is in charge of smaller ships that don’t require the leadership of more senior officers, like a Commander or Captain. Moreover, they take responsibility for commanding smaller vessels so as to enforce maritime law and defend America’s people and resources.

4.5. Commander

*The U.S. Coast Guard Commander Insignia*

Class: Senior Officer

Abbr.: CDR

Title: Commander (last name)

Paygrade: O-5

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $6,112.20 – $10,384.20

The Commanders, who possess the first senior commission rank in the Coast Guard, act as leader of a unit in a small vessel. Addition to demonstrating their leadership and technical skills in their field of specialty, they also implement tactical missions, search and rescue, homeland security, marine environment protection, and maritime law enforcement as multi-mission experts.

Although some serve on the staff of senior officers on large vessels, a Coast Guard Commander is typically assigned to command a small vessel, such as a cutter or submarine, or a squadron of aircraft, or a Coast Guard station on land. The multiple missions required of the Coast Guard at this tactical level include search and rescue, law enforcement, homeland security, and protection of the marine environment. Commanders will guide their units or stations in carrying out these tasks. The Sector Commander, who typically holds the rank of Captain, is the person to whom the Commander reports.

4.6. Captain

Class: Senior Officer

Abbr.: CAPT

Title: O-6

Paygrade: Captain (last name)

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $7,332.00 – $12,979.50

A senior officer in the US Coast Guard with a rank below Rear-Admiral and above Lieutenant-Commander is called a Captain. It roughly equates to a colonel’s position in other services. Due to the relatively small size of the Coast Guard, this position enjoys a higher level of authority than that of the US Navy. A captain in the Coast Guard is also very autonomous. However, the captain must demonstrate superior leadership abilities if he or she wants to advance further in their career.

The US Coast Guard Captain typically oversees a single large vessel or air wing, but they can also hold other senior positions, such as operational commands for the Coast Guard outside of the US. The Coast Guard’s chaplain, a captain, provides guidance to the commandant regarding all forms of spiritual support within the organization.

Typically, a Captain is in charge of a Coast Guard sector, which oversees a section of the US coastline, and reports to the district commander in question, who is a rear admiral. The captain in charge is expected to be able to coordinate the actions of several units under his or her command in order to react swiftly and effectively to an emergency as the Sector Commander.

4.7. Rear Admiral Lower Half

*The U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Lower Half Insignia*

Class: Flag Officer

Abbr.: DRML

Title: Rear Admiral (last name)

Paygrade: O-7

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $9,668.40 – $14,445.60

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Rear Admiral Lower Half (RDML) is a flag officer with one star. They are seasoned military personnel who are in charge of a small flotilla of cutters or a collection of air wings.

The RDML is typically a capable and seasoned captain in charge of a squadron of Coast Guard air wings or a small flotilla of cutters. Additionally, the RDML is in charge of serving as the first line of defense for the U.S. coastline and protecting a number of its sectors. This position can only be held by an RDML for five years. Once their contract is up, they have the option of retiring or being reassigned.

4.8. Rear Admiral

*The U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Insignia*

Class: Flag Officer

Abbr.: RADM

Title: Rear Admiral (last name)

Paygrade: O-8

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $11,635.50 – $16,774.20

While the Rear Admiral and their other counterpart have some similarities, the two-star flag officer is a level above them in terms of actual work experience. The Rear Admiral Upper Half is in charge of a sizable fleet that can respond to crises and defend the American coasts from danger.

4.9. Vice Admiral

*The U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Insignia*

Class: Flag Officer

Abbr.: VADM

Title: Admiral (last name)

Paygrade: O-9

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $16,444.80 – $16,974.90

The Vice Admiral is a three-star flag officer who works for the Coast Guard’s Vice-Commandment. In addition to assisting the office in managing its mission sectors, the Vice Admiral serves as their second in command. A vice admiral can hold office for three to four years.

4.10. Admiral

Class: Flag Officer

Abbr.: ADM

Title: Admiral (last name)

Paygrade: O-10

Starting Monthly Basic Pay: $16,974.90

The U.S. Coast Guard’s highest rank is the Admiral, a four-star flag officer. They are directly responsible for protecting the country’s surrounding waterways and managing the personnel in their department, including active duty personnel, reserve personnel, civilian employees, and volunteers. The United States President is the Admiral’s direct superior.

4.11 Fleet Admiral (Only During Times Of War)

*The U.S. Coast Guard Fleet Admiral Insignia*

The Fleet Admiral, a five-star flag rank, is the last one and is only employed in times of war. During the Spanish-American War, Admiral George Dewey received this rank just once.

>>> See Also: The U.S. Space Force Ranks

In conclusion, a comprehensive list of Military Ranks U.S. Coast Guard Ranks ordered by seniority. Follow our platform ASVAB Test Pro to learn more about many informative articles about the U.S. military.