Royal Navy pay scales 2026/27
Royal Navy pay uses the tri-service Pay16 structure: a rating's salary is set by rate (rank), increment level and their branch's pay supplement, with the 14.5% X-Factor already built in.
3.6% award verified · ranges indicative · Written ministerial statement, 9 June 2026
| Rank | NATO code | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| Able Rating | OR-2 | £27,282 – £41,164 |
| Leading Hand | OR-3 | £35,310 – £41,164 |
| Leading Hand (higher) | OR-4 | £40,989 – £48,497 |
| Petty Officer | OR-6 | £46,022 – £56,611 |
| Chief Petty Officer | OR-7 | £51,615 – £65,249 |
| Rank | NATO code | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| Midshipman / Sub-Lieutenant | OF-1 | £35,925 – £47,351 |
| Lieutenant | OF-2 | £54,716 – £64,852 |
| Lieutenant Commander | OF-3 | £68,624 – £81,960 |
| Commander | OF-4 | £95,850 – £110,806 |
| Captain | OF-5 | £115,881 – £127,272 |
Ranges run from the lowest increment on the lowest trade supplement to the highest on the highest. On top of core pay, seagoing personnel receive extras the other services rarely match: longer separation allowance accrual and the submarine service's retention pays make a big difference to actual take-home for those branches.
Common questions
How much does the Royal Navy pay in 2026/27?
Ratings start around £27,282 a year after initial training, with a petty officer (OR-6) earning £46,022 to £56,611. All ranks received the 3.6% rise from 1 April 2026.
Does the Royal Navy pay more than the other services?
No. One tri-service pay structure covers the Army, Royal Navy and RAF, so equivalent ranks earn the same; only trade supplements and service-specific allowances differ.
Is a pension deducted from Royal Navy pay?
No. The Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 is non-contributory, so nothing comes out of pay for it.