What's the starting salary after graduating from the Naval Academy?

I'm thinking about attending the Naval Academy and am curious about what kind of starting salary I might expect after graduation. How does it compare to other military or civilian jobs straight out of college?

Graduates of the United States Naval Academy are commissioned as Ensigns in the U.S. Navy or Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Marine Corps. As of 2024, the base pay for an Ensign (the lowest officer rank, O-1) is approximately $39,445 per year. Additionally, naval officers receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) that varies depending on location (for example, it's higher in areas with a high cost of living), a Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for meals which is around $3,886 annually, and potentially sea pay if they are stationed on a ship.

Comparatively, the average starting salary for civilians with a bachelor's degree varies significantly by field. For instance, engineering graduates might see starting salaries around $65,000 to $75,000 per year, while a starting teacher might earn around $36,000 to $46,000 per year.

However, it's worth noting that the opportunities provided by the Naval Academy aren't just financial. The leadership experience, specialized training, job stability, healthcare benefits, retirement benefits, and personal growth might be invaluable to you. Plus, the Naval Academy provides a world-class education with no tuition cost, which may offset lower initial earnings.