Navy SEALs' salaries vary based on rank, experience, and special pays, but here is an overview of their earnings in 2025:
- The average annual salary for a U.S. Navy SEAL is around $92,749 to $106,000, with some sources citing an estimated total pay of about $135,997 per year including bonuses and special pays
- Entry-level enlisted SEALs start at about $2,089 per month (around $25,000 annually) as a Petty Officer Third Class (E-4) with less than two years of service, and pay increases with rank and years of service. Senior enlisted SEALs can earn up to $7,845 per month or more
- SEALs receive substantial bonuses: a $10,000 to $12,000 bonus for qualifying for SEAL training, and a $40,000 bonus upon completing the training, which is very challenging to pass
- They also earn various special warfare incentive pays ranging from $150 to $400 per month for skills such as dive pay, parachute jump pay, demolition pay, and others, which can add up to about $1,000 monthly extra
- Retention bonuses can be significant, ranging from $30,000 to $160,000 depending on reenlistment contracts and special skills
- Officers start at a higher pay scale, with new SEAL officers earning roughly $3,035 to $3,497 per month initially, increasing with rank and experience
In summary, while the base military pay for Navy SEALs is comparable to other military personnel at similar ranks, their total compensation is boosted by rigorous training bonuses, special duty pays, and retention bonuses, leading to an average total compensation typically between $90,000 and $135,000 annually, with potential to earn more depending on rank, experience, and special qualifications
