United States Navy - E-4 Petty Officer Third Class

What are a Petty Officer Third Class' Responsibilities?

Nearly all sailors who have reached the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer have by now made it to the Fleet. Rare exceptions include exceptional E-4s who are promoted while in school, or are selected to teach immediately upon graduation and spend an additional two to three years at their school house.

E-4s are the most junior of the Petty Officer ranks. Petty Officers are considered self-sufficient leaders and know what work needs to be done without being told. They are qualified basic watchstations and can conduct maintenance and repairs of most equipment under their Division's cognizance. They mentor junior Seamen and are in charge of day-to-day business in the absence of their seniors. They take on progressively greater leadership roles and may have one or more Collateral Duties. They begin attending advanced schools and qualifications within their rate. Every day, they continue learning more about their jobs so they can progress to the next rank and assume more responsibilities.

What is a Petty Officer Third Class' Paygrade?

A Petty Officer Third Class is considered a Noncommissioned Officer, with a paygrade of E-4. The civilian equivalent of this military rank is roughly GS-4 under the federal government's General Schedule payscale.

On this page you can learn more about a Petty Officer Third Class' payscale, the process of becoming a Petty Officer Third Class, and the history of the rank in the United States Navy.

Basic Pay:

Drill Pay: