Basic Pay Structure
The salary of a Navy SEAL follows the standard military pay scale, determined by rank and years of service through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Military Pay Chart. Most SEALs enter as enlisted personnel (E-4 to E-6) or officers (O-1 to O-3).
Enlisted Pay Examples
- E-4 (Petty Officer Third Class): $2,393 - $2,906 monthly
- E-5 (Petty Officer Second Class): $2,610 - $3,704 monthly
- E-6 (Petty Officer First Class): $2,849 - $4,380 monthly
Senior Enlisted Ranks
- E-7 (Chief Petty Officer): $4,189 - $6,037 monthly
- E-8 (Senior Chief Petty Officer): $4,816 - $6,927 monthly
- E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer): $5,891 - $8,498 monthly
Officer Ranks
- O-3 (Lieutenant): $4,383 - $7,131 monthly
- O-4 (Lieutenant Commander): $4,985 - $8,324 monthly
- O-5 (Commander): $5,778 - $9,817 monthly
Special Pay and Bonuses
Navy SEALs receive various special pays and bonuses due to their demanding role:
Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP)
- SDAP Level 1: $75/month
- SDAP Level 2: $150/month
- SDAP Level 3: $225/month
- SDAP Level 4: $300/month
Additional Special Pays
- Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP): Up to $250/month
- Diving Pay: $150-$340 monthly based on qualification level
- Jump Pay:
- Basic parachutist: $150/month
- Jump Master qualified: $225/month
- Special Warfare Incentive Pay
Allowances and Benefits
Housing and Subsistence
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH):
- Tax-free allowance
- Varies by location and dependency status
- Average range: $1,500 - $3,000 monthly
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): Approximately $400 monthly
- Clothing Allowance: Annual allowance for uniforms
Healthcare Benefits
- TRICARE medical coverage for service member and dependents
- Dental and vision coverage
- Mental health services
- No premiums or deductibles for active duty
Education Benefits
- Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
- Tuition assistance while serving
- Credentialing opportunities
- Navy COOL program for certifications
Combat and Deployment Pay
During deployments, SEALs may receive:
- Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Pay: $225/month
- Family Separation Allowance: $250/month
- Combat Zone Tax Exclusion
Retirement Benefits
"After 20 years of service, military members can retire with a pension worth 50% of their base pay, with increases for additional years served."
Blended Retirement System (BRS)
- TSP contributions with government matching
- Continuation pay at 12 years
- Monthly pension after 20 years
Civilian Transition Opportunities
Post-service career options often include:
- Private security consulting
- Defense contracting
- Federal law enforcement
- Corporate security management
These positions typically offer competitive salaries ranging from $60,000 to $200,000+ annually, depending on experience and role.
For more detailed information, visit the official Navy website or explore the Defense Finance and Accounting Service for the latest pay charts and benefits information.