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United States Navy - E-3 Seaman

Yearly Base Pay

$28,530 - $32,162

Monthly Base Pay

$2,377.50 - $2,680.20

Hourly Base Pay *

$14.86 - $16.75

Navy Seaman - Rank Details


Seaman (SN)

Classification Junior Enlisted
Abbreviation SN
NATO Code OR-3
Service United States Navy
Address Depending on rate: Seaman (last name) Fireman (last name) Constructionman (last name) Airman (last name)
What are a Seaman's Responsibilities?

Seaman is the third-lowest among enlisted ranks in the USN. Navy Seamen are considered apprentices in training for their warfare community. Most E-3s have already arrived to the Fleet; others, such as highly technical Nuclear ratings or Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) continue training.

Fleet E-3s, despite still being low-ranking Seamen, are more likely to have earned their basic qualifications and know their way around a ship than their inferiors. Experience and knowledge give a sailor much more credit than rank does. Fleet E-3s are likely to have significant responsibilities within their Division, to include basic maintenance and watchstanding, and are beginning their preparations to become Petty Officers. They complete indoctrination courses lead by other Petty Officers, and study for their first rating exams. Life can be stressful for E-3s, but with the support of their Division, they can succeed and promote to the next rank.

What is a Seaman's Paygrade?

A Seaman is considered a Junior Enlisted, with a paygrade of E-3. The civilian equivalent of this military rank is roughly GS-3 under the federal government's General Schedule payscale.

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

Seal of the Navy Navy Seaman Pay Calculator

Starting pay for a Seaman is $2,377.50 per month, with raises for experience resulting in a maximum base pay of $2,680.20 per month. You can use the simple calculator below to see basic and drill pay for a Seaman, or visit our Navy pay calculator for a more detailed salary estimate.


Basic Pay:

Drill Pay:

n/a Learn more
For an E-3 Seaman with
years of experience.

Use the slider below to calculate the basic pay and drill pay for an E-3 Seaman at varying years in his or her military career.

2 or less years

Over 40 years


Equivalent Ranks to a Navy Seaman

A Seaman is a Junior Enlisted, with a military paygrade of E-3. The civilian equivalent of this military rank is roughly GS-3 under the federal government's General Schedule payscale.

The table below lists the equivalent ranks of a Navy Seaman, and their insignia, in the other four branches of the United States' Armed Services.


** This Document Provided By www.FederalPay.org - The Civil Employee's Resource **
Source: www.federalpay.org/military/navy/seaman