What is the starting salary for Coast Guard Academy graduates?

I'm considering attending the Coast Guard Academy and am curious about the financial prospects. Does anyone know what the starting salary looks like for graduates, especially if entering as an officer? Would love to hear about the potential benefits too.

Upon graduating from the United States Coast Guard Academy, you would be commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Coast Guard. As an Ensign, your base pay would be roughly around $39,444 per year, as per the Department of Defense Pay Scale for 2024. This has the potential to rise with years of service, promotions in rank, and additional pay for housing and food allowances, also known as the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) respectively. In many cases, your BAH could be $10,000-$20,000 on top of your base pay, while your BAS could add another $3,000-$4,000.

In terms of benefits, you also have access to comprehensive medical and dental coverage, a retirement plan, and opportunities for training and career advancement. The Coast Guard also offers support for further education, providing tuition assistance for off-duty learning. Post-service benefits like the GI Bill can cover the cost of a bachelor’s or advanced degree after completion of service.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that your initial focus at the US Coast Guard Academy will be developing leadership skills, gaining professional knowledge, and serving your country. For many, the salary is just one factor of many to consider in the decision to join.