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How Much Do Navy SEALs Make?

They're America's top fighters and are celeb-status warriors. So, how much do Navy SEALs make?

By Glenn BushinskiPublished 7 years ago 2 min read
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Joining the Navy SEAL program is a status symbol in its own right. It shows that you are the best that America has to offer in terms of physical fitness, intelligence, and attitude.

The benefits of being a Navy SEAL are, to a point, obvious. Navy SEAL movies will glorify you, and you might end up going on amazing historic missions. In some cases, you might end up being in history books. You also get all the standard military perks, including free tuition, food, housing, and healthcare.

However, no one really discusses the financial benefits of being a SEAL. Ever wonder how much do Navy SEALS make? We were a bit curious, too, and that's why we decided to find out how much money they take home after all the training and work is done.

The Base Pay

In order to understand how much do Navy SEALs make, it's important to realize that military pay isn't like normal pay. Military pay has a base pay, bonuses, as well as a regular increases based on how many extra skills you bring to the table.

According to Chron, the newest recruits to join the Navy SEAL program and pass SEAL requirements can expect a bare minimum of around $2,000 per month. If you have a college degree, you might enroll as an Officer Ensign, which starts as a base pay of around $2,700 per month.

Base pay increases along with skillset and rank. That's why it's hard to explain how much do Navy SEALs make. Some make (in theory) only $24,000 in base pay. Others, such as Admirals, make as much as $250,000 in base pay, depending on how long they've been in the military.

Retention

It's in the military's best interest to keep highly skilled warriors in their ranks. That's why all Navy SEALs also get retention bonuses. The longer they stay in the military, and the higher their rank, the higher the retention bonus will be.

Retention bonuses are paid out annually, and are raised with every year they continue to serve. Critical skills retention pay, depending on your rank and skillset, can be as much as an additional $45,000 per year or more.

Other Bonuses and Extra Pays

Along with a $40,000 enlistment bonus after completing Navy SEAL training, all SEAL operatives also get a shot at a number of other forms of pay, too. These bonuses include, but are not limited to:

  • Dive Pay
  • Special Duty Pay
  • Foreign Language Pay
  • Parachute Pay
  • Jump Pay
  • Family Separation Pay
  • SDV Pay

Overall, it's really hard to nail down how much does a Navy SEAL make, since every SEAL has different skills, a different amount of time in the Navy, and a different rank. However, it's safe to say that it's a good amount of money.

After all, you do have to pay money for elite warriors — and the military pays its people pretty darn well regardless of rank.

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About the Creator

Glenn Bushinski

Poli Sci professor, closet protestor, and news addict. Definitely House Stark.

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