Understanding Navy Sea Pay and Submarine Pay
Service members assigned to sea duty receive additional compensation through Career Sea Pay (CSP) and Submarine Duty Incentive Pay (SUBPAY). These special pays recognize the demanding nature of shipboard life, extended deployments, and the unique challenges of submarine service. In 2025, qualified sailors can earn hundreds of extra dollars monthly through these programs.
Career Sea Pay (CSP)
Career Sea Pay compensates Navy and Marine Corps personnel assigned to ships, submarines, and other vessels for the hardships of sea duty, including family separation, demanding schedules, and austere living conditions.
2025 Career Sea Pay Rates
| Pay Grade | Under 1 Year Sea Duty | 1-2 Years | 2-3 Years | 3+ Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-3 | $60 | $100 | $155 | $205 |
| E-4 | $100 | $165 | $210 | $280 |
| E-5 | $150 | $235 | $305 | $380 |
| E-6 | $200 | $305 | $395 | $485 |
| E-7 to E-9 | $250 | $380 | $475 | $580 |
| O-1 to O-3 | $155 | $200 | $245 | $290 |
| O-4 to O-6 | $230 | $290 | $340 | $395 |
Maximum Career Sea Pay may not exceed $750 per month per federal law.
Career Sea Pay Premium
Sailors who serve 36 consecutive months of sea duty become eligible for an additional Career Sea Pay Premium of up to $200 per month starting in month 37. This premium rewards extended commitment to sea duty and helps compensate for prolonged family separation.
Submarine Duty Incentive Pay (SUBPAY)
Submarine duty incentive pay recognizes the unique demands of submarine service, including extended submerged operations, cramped living quarters, and the specialized skills required to operate these complex vessels.
Types of Submarine Pay
Continuous Submarine Duty Incentive Pay (CONSUBPAY)
Paid to submarine-qualified personnel who have made a career commitment to the submarine force. Most submarine sailors receive this type of SUBPAY.
Operational Submarine Duty Incentive Pay (OPSUBPAY)
Paid to personnel assigned to submarine duty but not yet qualified or committed to a submarine career. Cannot be received simultaneously with CONSUBPAY.
2025 Submarine Pay Rates
| Pay Grade | Under 3 Years Sub Service | 3-6 Years | 6-9 Years | 9-12 Years | 12+ Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-3 | $75 | $175 | $250 | $325 | $400 |
| E-4 | $100 | $215 | $295 | $380 | $465 |
| E-5 | $150 | $265 | $355 | $445 | $535 |
| E-6 | $200 | $320 | $415 | $510 | $605 |
| E-7 to E-9 | $275 | $395 | $490 | $585 | $680 |
| Officers (O-1 to O-6) | $250 | $350 | $450 | $550 | $650 |
Maximum SUBPAY may not exceed $1,000 per month per federal law.
Nuclear Field Incentive Pay
Enlisted nuclear-trained personnel on submarines may also receive Nuclear Career Accession Bonus (NUCAB) and Nuclear Career Annual Incentive Bonus (NUCAIB), adding thousands more to their annual compensation. Nuclear-qualified submarine sailors are among the highest-paid enlisted personnel in the military.
Combining Sea Pay and Submarine Pay
The good news for submariners: you can receive both Career Sea Pay AND Submarine Duty Incentive Pay simultaneously. This stacking of special pays significantly increases total compensation. For example, a senior enlisted submariner with extensive sea duty experience might receive:
- Career Sea Pay: $580/month
- Career Sea Pay Premium: $200/month
- Submarine Pay: $680/month
- Total Special Pay: $1,460/month ($17,520/year)
Eligibility Requirements
For Career Sea Pay
- Assignment to a ship, submarine, or designated sea duty billet
- Physical presence aboard the vessel or temporary duty away from the vessel
- Cumulative sea duty time determines pay tier
For Submarine Pay
- Assignment to submarine duty by competent orders
- Either submarine qualification (dolphins) or actively in training
- Career commitment for CONSUBPAY rates
Tax Considerations
Both Career Sea Pay and Submarine Pay are taxable income under normal circumstances. However, when earned during operations in designated combat zones (such as during certain deployments), these special pays may qualify for Combat Zone Tax Exclusion.
Verifying Your Sea and Submarine Pay
To ensure accurate payment:
- Review your LES (Leave and Earnings Statement) each pay period
- Verify your sea duty commencement date is correctly recorded
- Confirm submarine qualification date for SUBPAY purposes
- Check that cumulative sea time is properly credited
- Contact your ship’s disbursing office or Personnel Support Detachment with questions
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