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Navy Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$35.90 - $41.99/hr

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Culinary Specialist

Shickshinny, PA

$33K - $44K/yr

Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services ... watch captain, leading Culinary Specialist, and opportunities for special programs such as ...

Culinary Specialist

Indio, CA

$35K - $48K/yr

Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services ... watch captain, leading Culinary Specialist, and opportunities for special programs such as ...

Culinary Specialist

Lockland, OH

$32K - $43K/yr

Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services ... watch captain, leading Culinary Specialist, and opportunities for special programs such as ...

Culinary Specialist

Mechanicville, NY

$35K - $47K/yr

Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services ... watch captain, leading Culinary Specialist, and opportunities for special programs such as ...

Culinary Specialist

Kelly, NC

$29K - $39K/yr

Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services ... watch captain, leading Culinary Specialist, and opportunities for special programs such as ...

Culinary Specialist

Interlochen, MI

$35K - $47K/yr

Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services ... watch captain, leading Culinary Specialist, and opportunities for special programs such as ...

Culinary Specialist

Lucasville, OH

$32K - $43K/yr

Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services ... watch captain, leading Culinary Specialist, and opportunities for special programs such as ...

Culinary Specialist

Gaylordsville, CT

$35K - $47K/yr

Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services ... watch captain, leading Culinary Specialist, and opportunities for special programs such as ...

Culinary Specialist

Montauk, NY

$38K - $51K/yr

Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services ... watch captain, leading Culinary Specialist, and opportunities for special programs such as ...

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Navy Captain information

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$9

$37

$76

How much do navy captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for navy captain in the United States is $37.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to become a navy captain?

Becoming a Navy captain requires at least 20 years of military service, including progressing through ranks such as ensign, lieutenant, and commander, along with extensive leadership experience and specialized training. Candidates must also meet physical, educational, and performance standards, and typically need a bachelor's degree and advanced military education. The process is highly competitive and involves rigorous evaluations and selection by senior officers.

What are Navy Captains?

A Navy Captain is a senior commissioned officer in the Navy, typically responsible for commanding a large warship, submarine, aviation squadron, or serving in high-level staff positions. The rank of Captain is equivalent to a Colonel in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps. Navy Captains oversee significant operations, lead large teams, and are accountable for the safety, training, and performance of their command. Achieving this rank requires many years of service, leadership experience, and a strong record of accomplishment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Navy Captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Navy Captain, you need extensive leadership experience, in-depth naval operations knowledge, and an officer's commission—typically achieved through years of progressive service and advanced military education. Familiarity with navigation systems, command and control platforms, and completion of programs such as the Naval War College are standard requirements. Exceptional decision-making, communication, and team-building skills distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring mission success, crew safety, and effective management of complex naval operations.

Can you be a captain in the Navy?

A Navy captain is a senior officer rank responsible for commanding ships, submarines, or aviation units. To become a Navy captain, individuals must complete extensive training, including officer commissioning programs, and gain years of leadership experience. Promotion to this rank requires meeting specific service time, performance standards, and passing rigorous evaluations.

What are the main leadership challenges faced by a Navy Captain when commanding a diverse crew on a ship?

A Navy Captain often leads a crew composed of individuals from various backgrounds, experience levels, and specialties. One of the main challenges is fostering effective communication and teamwork across departments while maintaining high morale under demanding conditions. Captains must also make critical decisions under pressure, ensure strict adherence to protocols, and address the professional development of their officers and enlisted personnel. Balancing operational readiness with crew welfare requires strong leadership, adaptability, and interpersonal skills.

What is a navy captain's salary?

A Navy captain's salary varies based on years of service and rank, but as of 2023, the base pay for a captain (O-6) ranges from approximately $9,000 to $16,000 per month. Additional allowances and benefits, such as housing and special duty pay, can increase total compensation. Navy captains also receive retirement benefits and access to various military healthcare programs.

How old is the youngest navy captain?

The youngest person to become a Navy captain is typically in their late 20s or early 30s, depending on their career progression, education, and performance. Achieving the rank of captain generally requires around 20-25 years of service, with some exceptional individuals reaching this rank earlier through accelerated advancement programs.

What is the difference between Navy Captain vs Navy Commander?

AspectNavy CaptainNavy Commander
Required CredentialsMilitary commission, extensive naval experienceMilitary commission, mid-level naval experience
Work EnvironmentCommand of large ships or units, strategic planningLeading smaller units or departments, operational roles
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Navy, naval military structureU.S. Navy, naval military structure

While both Navy Captains and Navy Commanders hold significant leadership roles within the naval hierarchy, Captains typically command larger ships or units and have higher seniority. Commanders often oversee smaller units or specific departments. The main differences lie in rank, scope of responsibility, and experience level, with Captains generally having more extensive naval service and command authority.

More about Navy Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Navy Captain jobs? Cities with the most Navy Captain job openings:
What states have the most Navy Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Navy Captain jobs include:
Infographic showing various Navy Captain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $77,625 per year, or $37.3 per hour.
Navy Nuclear Propulsions Program - NY/NJ

Navy Nuclear Propulsions Program - NY/NJ

U.S. Navy

Patchogue, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

For current undergraduate and graduate students, and those with a current degree, you have the opportunity to earn a salary and a guaranteed Navy commissioning program while finishing school through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program. 

Nuclear Officers

If accepted into the NUPOC program, you can expect the following:

  • Accession bonus of $30,000.
  • $6,000 per month while working through your remaining degree program, up to 42 months for undergraduates. Graduates or dual bachelor and masters programs can vary.
  • Free medical and dental care.
  • Retirement match (TSP/ROTH IRA).
  • No military obligation while working through your degree.
  • Your time in the NUPOC program counts towards your years of service within paygrade!

Eligibility Requirements

  • U.S. Citizenship
  • ~3.0 + GPA
  • Able to meet health and legal screening requirements

You’ll receive hands-on training on the nuclear industry, plant operations, leadership, and management skills, and immediately have a job as a Naval Nuclear Officer. If your interests eventually lead toward the private sector, our program is a great method to build your resume quickly. Industry leads and headhunters specifically look for NUPOC members; your career, training, and education as a Naval Nuclear Officer translates easily into the private sector. 

If you are also in the pursuit or looking towards a master’s program, we do also accept applications to support this continued education timeline.

Interested candidates should contact the local Navy Officer Programs Recruiter to discuss the opportunity to participate in an installation visit to see if this career is right for you. The fleet visit is an all-expenses paid 3-day trip to San Diego, CA, to visit and meet with currently serving Nuclear Officers. These trips are conducted every month and there is no obligation to join the program in order to attend.

Naval Surface Warfare Officer 8.5 W-19.5W

Job description

ABOUT

If you’re a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO), you have what it takes to lead by example. Maintain and operate the most advanced fleet of ships in the world—along with the crews that support them. Your team of Sailors will look to you for guidance, so you’ll need to become an expert on everything from engineering to combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure everything is smooth sailing. If you see yourself commanding a Naval ship as a Captain one day, this is the role that will get you there.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Bachelor’s degree

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

RESPONSIBILITIES

Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) are involved in virtually every aspect of Navy missions. As a SWO, you may be in charge of any number of shipboard operations and activities while at sea, working with or within any of these specialized forces:

  • Aircraft Carrier Forces: Provide and coordinate air, submarine and surface ship defense for aircraft carriers.
  • Cruiser-Destroyer Forces: Provide ship attack and defensive measures with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities, providing anti-air, -submarine and -surface warfare support.
  • Amphibious Forces: Embark and transport vehicles, equipment and personnel for amphibious assault operations.
  • Combat-Logistics Forces: Provide combatant ships with fuel, ammunition, food and supplies, and provide repair, maintenance and rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships.
  • Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and neutralize threats from hostile use of maritime mines.

You may also be interested in becoming a Surface Warfare Officer within the prestigious Navy Nuclear community where you will have the opportunity to work on some of the world’s most powerful nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

As a Surface Warfare Officer, you will work at sea and on shore, in a variety of environments. Sea duty could place you aboard ships within the fleet. Shore duty may involve a tour of duty at the Pentagon, a student assignment at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, or command and management positions at shore bases and stations around the world.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Wherever you are in your professional career, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs. Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Surface Warfare Officers can advance their education by:

  • Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
  • Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges

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About US Navy

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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