Pay
A career in the Royal Navy gives you a highly competitive Pay & Benefits package. With hard work and dedication, you have the potential to a highly competitive salary. An enviable benefits package also means that more of your money stays where it should be – in your pocket.
Regardless of your entry level and role, you’ll be paid a full monthly salary from the day you start your training. Once you’ve completed your training, your salary will reflect the role you’ve chosen. After that, how you progress is in your hands, because you’re rewarded on merit – your salary will develop as much as you want it to.
Officers are the managers and leaders of the Royal Navy, the people who use their knowledge, experience and skills to inspire the team around them. You’ll need to have done well at college or university to join at this level – we’ll be looking for at least 3 Cs at A level or a degree for some specialisations– but in return, opportunity, responsibility and a career like no other awaits.
Ratings are the heart of the Royal Navy, a team of highly-valued hands-on skilled experts. Not everyone will need a qualification to join, though if you bring potential, drive and ability, we offer training and opportunities that are hard to match. Whether your passion is cooking up a storm or fixing things, if you’re considering a career change, or leaving education, take a closer look.
A career in the Royal Navy opens doors – if you bring potential and passion for the job, there’s opportunity to go places, fast. Though everyone’s different and progresses at their own rate, scroll down for an idea of how you might be paid. Don’t forget, there are lots of valuable extra benefits too: from free sports session and subsidised accommodation and meals, through to extra help to get on the housing ladder and a great pension.
Good to know: if you join as a medic or submariner, there's even more earning potential – take a look at individual roles to find out more. Please note, all figures are before tax.
£27,272 a year
£32,780 a year
Your first pay rise will be within your first year.
£33,931 a year
After a year of service, if you’ve completed training.
£42,009 a year
Get promoted again after just two and a half years (that’s three and a half after signing up).
£98,909 a year
*The highest rank in the whole of the Royal Naval Service is First Sea Lord – Admiral.
On top of public holidays, with extra allowance for time at sea
On the housing ladder: get a 0% loan of up to 50% of your salary
From NVQs to Masters Degrees, with a sizeable fee contribution
Joining the Royal Navy is a great way to earn, learn and make a real difference every day. You’ll be well rewarded, too. Though everyone’s different and progresses at their own rate, scroll down for an idea of how you might be paid. Don’t forget, there are some great extra benefits too: from free gym, sports and subsidised accommodation and meals, through to extra help to get on the housing ladder and a great pension.
£16,235 a year
£20,000 a year
£32,796 a year
Get your first big promotion within four years.
£37,061 a year
Another pay rise and promotion at around eight years.
£50,838 a year
You could reach a top salary at 18 years, or be commissioned as an Officer even sooner.