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Navy Commander Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

LVC Warfare Commander Facilitator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Provide subject matter expertise in the latest Navy LVC methods, processes, techniques, and ... Develop advanced war game scenarios to support training of Navy carrier strike group commanders and ...

SAIC

LVC Warfare Commander Facilitator

San Diego, CA

$120K - $160K/yr

Provide subject matter expertise in the latest Navy LVC methods, processes, techniques, and ... Develop advanced war game scenarios to support training of Navy carrier strike group commanders and ...

SAIC

LVC Warfare Commander Facilitator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Provide subject matter expertise in the latest Navy LVC methods, processes, techniques, and ... Develop advanced war game scenarios to support training of Navy carrier strike group commanders and ...

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All JobsNavy Commander JobsNavy Commander Jobs in California

Navy Commander information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$59.1K

$95.7K

How much do navy commander jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for navy commander in California is $59,114.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $66,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Navy Commander vs Navy Captain?

AspectNavy CommanderNavy Captain
Rank LevelO-5 (equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel)O-6 (equivalent to Colonel)
ResponsibilitiesLeading a squadron or a group of ships/submarinesCommand of a large ship or a significant naval unit
Required CredentialsMilitary commission, leadership experienceMilitary commission, extensive leadership experience
Work EnvironmentNaval ships, maritime operationsNaval ships, maritime operations

The main difference between a Navy Commander and a Navy Captain lies in their rank and scope of responsibility. A Navy Commander typically leads a squadron or a group of ships, while a Navy Captain commands a large ship or a major naval unit. Both roles require military commissions and leadership experience, but the Captain holds a higher rank and broader command responsibilities.

What are some common challenges Navy commanders face when leading diverse teams aboard ship?

Navy Commanders often manage teams made up of individuals from varied backgrounds and specialties, which can present challenges in communication, maintaining unit cohesion, and ensuring that all voices are heard. Balancing operational demands with crew wellbeing, especially during long deployments, is another key challenge. Effective Commanders invest time in building trust, fostering open communication, and providing clear guidance to align the team's goals and maintain high morale under pressure.

How hard is it to become a Navy Commander?

Becoming a Navy Commander requires progressing through multiple ranks, typically over 10-20 years, and demonstrating leadership, technical skills, and successful completion of advanced training and education. Candidates must meet strict physical, medical, and background requirements, and often hold a bachelor's degree or higher, along with specialized certifications. Advancement depends on performance, experience, and available positions within the Navy's structure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Navy commander?

To thrive as a Navy Commander, you need extensive leadership experience, strategic decision-making abilities, and a thorough knowledge of naval operations, typically gained through years of service and completion of advanced military education. Familiarity with naval command systems, operational planning software, and specialized certifications such as Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) are commonly required. Exceptional communication, resilience, and the ability to motivate and manage diverse teams are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure effective mission execution, personnel welfare, and operational readiness in complex and high-stakes environments.

What is a Navy commander?

Navy Commanders are senior officers in the naval branch of a country's armed forces, typically holding the rank of Commander, which is above Lieutenant Commander and below Captain. They are responsible for leading and managing a ship, submarine, or a specific department within a larger vessel or shore establishment. Commanders oversee operations, ensure the welfare and discipline of their crew, and make critical decisions during missions. Their role requires strong leadership, operational expertise, and the ability to handle complex situations at sea or onshore.
What are popular job titles related to Navy Commander jobs in California? For Navy Commander jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Navy Commander jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Navy Commander jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Navy Commander jobs? Cities in California with the most Navy Commander job openings:
Navy Commander jobs near you
Infographic showing various Navy Commander job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,114 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

COMMANDER'S ACTION GROUP/CAG DEPUTY

US Department of the Navy

Coronado, CA • On-site

$169K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

You will serve as the Commander's Action Group/CAG Deputy in the Commander's Action Group (CAG) (N01) of COMNAVSURFPAC.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-14 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector providing leadership in the organizational, technical and command structure of manning, training and readiness for naval surface warfare activities.
Examples of qualifying experience may include (1) mastery knowledge of the authorities to organize, man, train, equip, and maintain surface forces in execution of the authorities delegated to CNSP, to include the Surface Navy organizational and command structures (Squadron/Carrier Air Wing/Carrier Strike Group/TYCOM/Fleet/OPNAV) and man, train, equip processes and organizations in execution of the Commander's delegated authorities; (2) mastery knowledge of Joint and Navy, plans, policy and doctrine to provide direct input and recommendations to the Commander in surface forces fulfillment of the applicable functions specified in Title 10 U.S. Code Section 8013; (3) mastery knowledge of Navy and Joint command relationships with respect to Fleet operations and the Unified Command Plan, to provide the Commander input on the optimal organization or processes in fulfillment of all missions, functions and tasks in support of the Fleet Commanders and support to unified and specified combatant commands
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

What United States Navy employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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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