ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Submarine Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

PR · On-site

$4.0K/mo

Nuclear Submarine Officer
If accepted into the NUPOC program as an aspiring Submarine Officer, you can: * Receive a salary in excess of $4,000 per month for up to 30 months prior to your college ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSubmarine Officer Jobs

Submarine Officer information

See salary details

$9

$37

$80

How much do submarine officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for submarine officer in the United States is $37.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $48.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a submarine officer make?

A submarine officer's salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and years of service. They also receive benefits such as housing allowances, special duty pay, and opportunities for advancement within the military hierarchy.

What are Submarine Officers?

Submarine Officers are commissioned military officers responsible for leading and managing the operations, crew, and systems aboard a submarine. They oversee navigation, weapons systems, engineering, and day-to-day operations to ensure the submarine's missions are carried out safely and effectively. Submarine Officers receive specialized training and are skilled in leadership, technical operations, and crisis management. Their role is critical to both national security and the safe operation of one of the most complex vessels in the military.

Is being a submarine officer hard?

Being a submarine officer is a demanding role that requires strong leadership, technical skills, and the ability to work under pressure in confined environments. The job involves long deployments, strict safety protocols, and continuous training to operate complex systems and ensure crew safety.

What is the difference between Submarine Officer vs Naval Engineer?

AspectSubmarine OfficerNaval Engineer
Required CredentialsNaval academy training, military certificationsEngineering degree, professional engineering licenses
Work EnvironmentSubmarine vessels, confined underwater settingsShipyards, naval bases, onboard ships
Employer & Industry UsageNaval military branches, defense sectorNaval and maritime industries, defense contractors

Submarine Officers and Naval Engineers both serve in maritime environments, but Submarine Officers focus on navigation, operations, and leadership onboard submarines, while Naval Engineers handle technical maintenance, engineering systems, and ship design. Their roles often overlap in the naval sector, but their primary responsibilities and qualifications differ.

What are some common challenges faced by Submarine Officers during extended deployments?

Submarine Officers often face unique challenges during long deployments, such as adapting to confined living spaces, maintaining clear communication within a close-knit crew, and handling high-pressure situations that require quick and accurate decision-making. The lack of sunlight and limited personal privacy can be demanding, but strong camaraderie and teamwork help mitigate these challenges. Officers are trained to manage both the operational complexities of the submarine and the well-being of their crew, making adaptability and resilience essential traits for success in this role.

How do you become a submarine officer?

To become a submarine officer, candidates typically need to meet age and education requirements, pass a physical fitness test, and complete officer training programs such as Officer Candidate School or a military academy. They also undergo specialized training in submarine systems, navigation, and safety protocols before serving aboard submarines.

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

To thrive as a Submarine Officer, you need a background in engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and a bachelor's degree (often in a STEM field), along with completion of Navy Officer training. Familiarity with naval nuclear propulsion systems, advanced navigation tools, and classified communication systems is typically required. Leadership, composure under pressure, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that distinguish outstanding officers. These competencies ensure mission success, crew safety, and reliable operation in the unique and demanding environment beneath the sea.

Do Submariners get paid well?

Submarine officers typically receive competitive salaries that increase with rank and experience, along with benefits such as housing allowances, special duty pay, and retirement options. Their pay is generally above average compared to other military roles, reflecting the specialized skills and demanding environment of submarine service.
What states have the most Submarine Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Submarine Officer jobs include:
Submarine Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Submarine Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,018 per year, or $37.5 per hour.
Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program

Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program

U.S. Navy

Brooksville, FL • On-site

$4.0K/mo

Full-time

Posted 25 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

43rd of 50 rated military and defense

Job description

For current undergraduate students, especially those pursuing majors such as mathematics, engineering, physics, or chemistry, you have the chance to get paid and receive a guaranteed Navy commissioning program while finishing school through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program.

Surface Warfare Officer (Nuclear)
If accepted into the NUPOC program as an aspiring Surface Warfare Officer (Nuclear), you can:

  • Receive a salary in excess of $4,000 per month for up to 30 months prior to your college graduation.
  • Receive an immediate one-time sign-on bonus of $15,000, plus an additional $2,000 bonus upon completion of nuclear propulsion training.
  • Enjoy military healthcare benefits while you are a student in the program.

Nuclear Submarine Officer
If accepted into the NUPOC program as an aspiring Submarine Officer, you can:

  • Receive a salary in excess of $4,000 per month for up to 30 months prior to your college graduation.
  • Receive an immediate one-time sign-on bonus of $15,000, plus an additional $2,000 bonus upon completion of nuclear propulsion training.
  • Enjoy military healthcare benefits while you are a student in the program.

Interested candidates should contact the local Navy Officer Programs Recruiter to discuss the opportunity to participate in a fleet 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 an active submarine and meet with currently serving Submarine Officers. These trips are conducted every month, and there is no obligation to join the program in order to attend.

Naval Reactor Engineer
If accepted into the NUPOC program as an aspiring Naval Reactors Engineer, you can:

  • Receive a salary in excess of $4,000 per month for up to 18 months prior to your college graduation.
  • Receive an immediate one-time sign-on bonus of $15,000.
  • Enjoy military healthcare benefits while you are a student in the program.

Interested candidates should contact the local Navy Officer Programs Recruiter to discuss the opportunity to participate in a Naval Reactors visit to see if this career is right for you. The visit is an all-expenses-paid 3-day trip to the Navy Yard in Washington, DC, to meet with currently serving Naval Reactor Engineers.

These trips are conducted twice a year, and there is no obligation to join the program in order to attend.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a U.S. citizen (dual citizens must renounce non-U.S. citizenship).
  • Be at least 19 years of age and less than 29 years of age at the time of commissioning (waivers up to 35 years of age for select jobs may be available).
  • Must pass a medical examination.
  • Must pass a background investigation.

Education Requirements
Candidates must be graduates or students of an accredited college or university in the United States or in a U.S. territory, pursuing a BA, BS, or MS (preferably in mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, or other technical areas).

Applicants may apply as early as:

  • 30 months from completion of an undergraduate degree for Surface Warfare (Nuclear), Submarine, and Instructor positions.
  • 18 months from completion of an undergraduate degree for Naval Reactors Engineers.
  • 12 months from completion of a master’s degree for all NUPOC positions.

Additional Academic Requirements

  • Completed one academic year of calculus.
  • Completed one academic year of calculus-based physics.
  • A competitive GPA with a minimum grade of “B” in all technical courses (minimum grade of “C” in all technical courses for Nuclear Submarine Officer and Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer candidates).
  • General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you intend to serve Active Duty or Reserve Duty and whether you are currently serving, have served before, or have never served before.

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

US Navy logo

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

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All US Navy Jobs

Apply