Thinking about a Navy career but not sure which way to go?
The Navy’s got all kinds of jobs—Combat roles, Technical Support, Health Care, and more. What you qualify for depends on your education, experience, and fitness level.
This article breaks it all down—jobs, duties, pay, benefits—so you know what to expect before you enlist in Fiscal Year 2025.
If you’re looking for adventure on the open sea, this is where it starts.
Navy Enlisted Rating Definition
The Navy sorts enlisted personnel into ratings based on skills, knowledge, and expertise.
These ratings fall into broader fields—Airman (AM), Fireman (FN), or Seaman (SN)—each with its own set of specialties.
The system keeps things organized. Every Sailor has a role that fits their abilities, whether it’s a boatswain’s mate or an electrician’s mate.
Assignments happen fast, keeping the Navy running smoothly and efficiently.
Navy Enlisted Rate Definition
Navy enlisted personnel are given a rank and pay grade, from Seaman (E-1) to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (E-9). This is called their enlisted rate.
The rate system is how Sailors move up—starting as apprentices, gaining skills, and working toward mastery in their field.
A strong Navy career needs structure. The rate system keeps training on track, making sure every Sailor is ready, skilled, and motivated for the job ahead.
Navy Enlisted Communities Overview
| Community | Core Role | Key Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | Personnel and office management | Manages records, correspondence, clerical systems, and office operations |
| Aviation | Aircraft maintenance and flight support | Maintains and operates aircraft systems on carriers and land bases |
| Information Warfare | Digital and intelligence operations | Executes cyber defense, cryptologic warfare, and intelligence gathering |
| Medical | Health services for Sailors and Marines | Provides medical, dental, and emergency care in all operational environments |
| SEABEES | Construction in combat and crisis zones | Builds and repairs bases, airfields, and essential infrastructure |
| SECF | Electronics and computing on submarines | Operates sonar, weapons, and navigation systems |
| Security | Physical security and force protection | Enforces access control, patrols, and law enforcement functions |
| Special Operations | High-risk technical and support missions | Includes EOD, Navy Divers; supports salvage, demolition, and recovery missions |
| Special Warfare | Elite tactical and combat operations | Involves SEALs and SWCCs; conducts raids, recon, and counterterrorism |
| Submarine | General submarine operations | Covers propulsion, weapons, nuclear systems, and ship functions |
| Supply | Logistics and material readiness | Manages food, inventory, procurement, and distribution |
| Surface Combat | Weapons and fire control on surface ships | Operates guns, missile systems, and targeting platforms |
| Surface Engineering | Propulsion and power systems maintenance | Manages engines, electrical systems, and shipboard mechanical functions |
| Surface Operations | Ship navigation and mission execution | Handles tactical maneuvering, communication, and navigation |
Comprehensive List of Navy Enlisted Jobs (Ratings)
- ABE – Aviation Boatswain’s Mate—Launching and Recovery Equipment
- ABF – Aviation Boatswain’s Mate—Fuels
- ABH – Aviation Boatswain’s Mate—Aircraft Handling
- AC – Air Traffic Controller
- AD – Aviation Machinist’s Mate
- AE – Aviation Electrician’s Mate
- AG – Aerographer’s Mate
- AM – Aviation Structural Mechanic
- AME – Aviation Structural Mechanic, Safety Equipment
- AO – Aviation Ordnanceman
- AS – Aviation Support Equipmentman
- AT – Aviation Electronics Technician
- AWF – Naval Aircrewman Mechanical
- AWO – Naval Aircrewman Operator
- AWR – Naval Aircrewman Tactical-Helicopter
- AWS – Naval Aircrewman Helicopter
- AWV – Naval Aircrewman Avionics
- AZ – Aviation Maintenance Administrationman
- BM – Boatswain’s Mate
- BU – Builder
- CE – Construction Electrician
- CM – Construction Mechanic
- CS – Culinary Specialist
- CSS – Culinary Specialist – Submarines
- CTI – Cryptologic Technician Interpretive
- CTM – Cryptologic Technician Maintenance
- CTR – Cryptologic Technician Collection
- CTT – Cryptologic Technician Technical
- CWT – Cyber Warfare Technician
- DC – Damage Controlman
- EA – Engineering Aide
- EM – Electrician’s Mate
- EMN – Electrician’s Mate, Nuclear Power
- EN – Engineman
- EO – Equipment Operator
- EOD – Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician
- ET – Electronics Technician
- ETN – Electronics Technician, Nuclear Power
- ETV – Electronics Technician, Submarine, Navigation
- FC – Fire Controlman
- FCA – Fire Controlman (AEGIS)
- FT – Fire Control Technician
- GM – Gunner’s Mate
- GSE – Gas Turbine System Technician – Electrical
- GSM – Gas Turbine System Technician – Mechanical
- HM – Hospital Corpsman
- HT – Hull Maintenance Technician
- IC – Interior Communications Electrician
- IS – Intelligence Specialist
- IT – Information Systems Technician
- ITS – Information Systems Technician Submarines
- LN – Legalman
- LS – Logistics Specialist
- LSS – Logistics Specialist – Submarines
- MA – Master-At-Arms
- MC – Mass Communication Specialist
- MM – Machinist’s Mate
- MMA – Machinist’s Mate, Non-Nuclear, Submarine Auxiliary
- MMN – Machinist’s Mate, Nuclear Power
- MN – Mineman
- MR – Machinery Repairman
- MT – Missile Technician
- MU – Musician
- NC – Navy Counselor
- ND – Navy Diver
- OS – Operations Specialist
- PR – Aircrew Survival Equipmentman
- PS – Personnel Specialist
- QM – Quartermaster
- RP – Religious Program Specialist
- RW – Robotics Warfare Specialist
- RS – Retail Services Specialist
- SB – Special Warfare Boat Operator
- SO – Special Warfare Operator
- STG – Sonar Technician Surface
- STS – Sonar Technician Submarine
- SW – Steelworker
- TM – Torpedoman’s Mate
- UT – Utilitiesman
- YN – Yeoman
- YNS – Yeoman – Submarines
More Information
If you want more information about becoming an enlisted Sailor in the United States Navy, the next logical step is to contact your local Naval Enlisted Recruiter.
Let us figure out how you can benefit from joining the Navy—or if it is even the right career move for you.
If you’re interested in learning more about Navy opportunities, read our How to Join the Navy guide.
Hope you found this helpful to your career planning.
