NOAA Officer Annual Salary in USA by Rank and Experience (2025)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) is one of the United States’ seven uniformed services. These officers operate ships, fly aircraft, and lead scientific and operational missions that protect lives, property, and the environment.

In 2025, NOAA Corps salaries remain tied to the U.S. military pay scale, but with allowances and benefits designed to match their unique missions at sea, in the air, and in the field. This pay structure ensures competitive compensation, rewards years of service, and supports officers with benefits that reflect the demanding nature of their work.

Whether you are thinking about becoming a NOAA Officer or simply want to understand how their pay works, this guide provides everything you need to know from annual salaries by rank, to allowances, benefits, promotion opportunities, and frequently asked questions.

NOAA Officer Annual Salary Summary Table (2025)

The following table shows estimated annual base pay by rank, along with approximate total compensation including basic allowances for housing (BAH) and subsistence (BAS). All figures are in U.S. dollars. Actual pay varies by duty location, years of service, and dependent status.

Note: Figures are based on the 2025 U.S. military pay chart plus average allowances. Officers with more years of service earn toward the upper end of each range.

How the NOAA Officer Salary Structure Works

NOAA Corps officers are paid under the same Uniformed Services Pay Schedule used by the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and other armed forces. Their pay is determined by:

1. Rank (Pay Grade) – Higher ranks have more responsibility and leadership duties, resulting in higher pay.

2. Years of Service – Pay increases with time served in the Corps.

3. Special Pays & Bonuses – Certain assignments (e.g., sea duty, flight duty) come with extra pay.

4. Allowances – Housing (BAH), food (BAS), and cost-of-living allowances can significantly raise total compensation.

5. Location – Duty stations in high-cost areas (e.g., San Francisco, Honolulu) have higher BAH rates.

Detailed Rank-by-Rank Salary Breakdown (2025)

Ensign (O-1)

• Annual Base Pay: $44,892 – $56,628

• Typical Experience: Entry-level, 0–2 years of service

• Roles: Junior officer on ships or aircraft, assisting in scientific and operational missions, learning command duties.

Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2)

• Annual Base Pay: $51,636 – $69,852

• Typical Experience: 2–4 years

• Roles: Leads small teams, serves as operations officer, bridge watchstander, or project manager.

Lieutenant (O-3)

• Annual Base Pay: $63,216 – $91,140

• Typical Experience: 4–10 years

• Roles: Department head on vessels, chief scientist, or senior mission pilot.

Lieutenant Commander (O-4)

• Annual Base Pay: $73,224 – $107,940

• Typical Experience: 10–16 years

• Roles: Executive officer on ships, program manager, senior operational planner.

Commander (O-5)

• Annual Base Pay: $84,000 – $119,760

• Typical Experience: 16–22 years

• Roles: Commanding officer of a NOAA ship or aircraft squadron, senior policy advisor.

Captain (O-6)

• Annual Base Pay: $101,256 – $150,540

• Typical Experience: 22+ years

• Roles: Senior leadership, overseeing multiple ships or programs, setting operational strategy for NOAA missions.

Allowances and Benefits

• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): Varies by location and dependent status, often $20,000–$45,000 annually.

• Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): Around $4,000 annually for officers.

• Sea Duty Pay: Extra $50–$150 per month for extended sea assignments.

• Flight Pay: For NOAA aviators, up to $840/month depending on experience.

• Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA): For high-cost areas or overseas postings.

• Medical and Dental: Fully covered for officers and eligible dependents.

• Retirement Pension: After 20 years, 40% of highest 36 months’ basic pay, increasing with years served.

Comparison with Other U.S. Uniformed Services

NOAA Officer pay is identical in base pay to Navy and Coast Guard officers of the same rank and years of service. The main difference lies in specialty pay — NOAA does not receive combat pay but does receive sea, flight, and hardship pays where applicable.

Recruitment and Entry Requirements (2025)

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.

• Age: 21–42 years old.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field relevant to NOAA’s mission.

• Physical Standards: Meet U.S. military medical and fitness requirements.

• Background: Pass security clearance.

Career Progression

Promotions occur based on time in service, performance evaluations, and availability of billets. NOAA Officers can expect:

• O-1 to O-2 in ~2 years

• O-2 to O-3 in ~2 years

• O-3 to O-4 in ~4–6 years

• O-4 to O-5 in ~5–6 years

• O-5 to O-6 based on merit and seniority

FAQs: NOAA Officer Salary & Career

1. What is the starting salary for a NOAA Officer?
   Around $65,000 total with allowances for an Ensign in 2025.

2. Do NOAA Officers get paid the same as Navy officers?
   Yes, base pay is identical for the same rank and years of service.

3. How often does pay increase?
   Annually with time in service, and with each promotion.

4. Are there bonuses?
   Yes, for flight duty, sea duty, and certain hard-to-fill assignments.

5. Do NOAA Officers get free housing?
   Housing is provided on ships; otherwise, BAH is paid for housing ashore.

6. Is there hazard pay?
   Yes, for certain high-risk operations.

7. Can NOAA Officers retire with a pension?
   Yes, after 20 years of service.

8. What benefits are included?
   Medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave, and education benefits.

9. Are NOAA Officers deployed overseas?
   Yes, but mainly for scientific and operational missions.

10. What is the highest rank in NOAA Corps?
    Rear Admiral (O-8), though pay above O-6 is based on flag officer scale.