How Much Do Naval Aviators Make?
Naval aviation is a prestigious and rewarding career, offering a range of exciting opportunities for those who are passionate about flying and serving their country. But one of the most common questions asked by potential recruits is: how much do naval aviators make?
Basic Pay
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand that naval aviators are commissioned officers in the United States Navy, and as such, they receive a basic pay structure based on their rank and years of service. The basic pay for naval aviators is as follows:
- Ensign (O-1): $3,287 – $4,137 per month
- Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2): $4,041 – $5,181 per month
- Lieutenant (O-3): $4,641 – $6,481 per month
- Lieutenant Commander (O-4): $5,341 – $7,381 per month
- Commander (O-5): $6,361 – $8,521 per month
- Captain (O-6): $7,581 – $9,711 per month
- Rear Admiral (Lower Half) (O-7): $8,521 – $11,341 per month
- Rear Admiral (Upper Half) (O-8): $9,711 – $12,641 per month
- Vice Admiral (O-9): $11,341 – $14,241 per month
- Admiral (O-10): $12,641 – $16,141 per month
Bonuses and Incentives
In addition to their basic pay, naval aviators may also receive bonuses and incentives for their service. These can include:
- Flight Pay: $2,000 – $6,000 per year for pilots who fly a minimum of 50 hours per month
- Pilot Bonus: $12,000 – $15,000 per year for pilots who fly a minimum of 100 hours per month
- High-Hazard Pay: $1,000 – $2,000 per year for pilots who fly in high-hazard environments, such as combat zones
- Special Duty Pay: $1,000 – $2,000 per year for pilots who perform special duties, such as flight instructor or test pilot
Benefits
Naval aviators also receive a range of benefits, including:
- Free Medical Care: Naval aviators receive free medical care and dental care
- Free Housing: Naval aviators receive free or reduced-cost housing
- Education Benefits: Naval aviators receive education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Navy’s own education assistance program
- Retirement Benefits: Naval aviators are eligible for a pension plan and other retirement benefits after 20 years of service
Total Compensation Package
So, how much do naval aviators really make? To calculate this, we need to combine their basic pay, bonuses, and benefits. Here’s a rough estimate of the total compensation package for naval aviators at each rank:
| Rank | Basic Pay | Bonuses | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ensign (O-1) | $39,244 | $0 | $27,000 | $66,244 |
| Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2) | $49,292 | $24,000 | $35,000 | $108,292 |
| Lieutenant (O-3) | $59,340 | $48,000 | $43,000 | $150,340 |
| Lieutenant Commander (O-4) | $74,392 | $72,000 | $53,000 | $199,392 |
| Commander (O-5) | $91,452 | $96,000 | $63,000 | $250,452 |
| Captain (O-6) | $112,512 | $120,000 | $73,000 | $305,512 |
| Rear Admiral (Lower Half) (O-7) | $133,572 | $144,000 | $83,000 | $360,572 |
| Rear Admiral (Upper Half) (O-8) | $154,632 | $168,000 | $93,000 | $415,632 |
| Vice Admiral (O-9) | $175,692 | $192,000 | $103,000 | $470,692 |
| Admiral (O-10) | $196,752 | $216,000 | $113,000 | $525,752 |
Conclusion
Naval aviators are compensated well for their service, with a total compensation package that includes basic pay, bonuses, and benefits. While the exact amount they make will depend on their rank and years of service, here are some key takeaways:
- Entry-level naval aviators can expect to earn around $66,000 per year
- Experienced naval aviators can earn upwards of $250,000 per year
- Senior officers can earn upwards of $500,000 per year
- Bonuses and incentives can add tens of thousands of dollars to a naval aviator’s annual pay
- Benefits, including free medical care and housing, can add tens of thousands of dollars to a naval aviator’s overall compensation package
Overall, naval aviators are well-compensated for their service, and their total compensation package is one of the most competitive in the country.
