This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Sonar Technician – Surface (STG) during the Fiscal Year 20225.
Out at sea, it’s not just what’s on the radar that matters. It’s what’s under the surface. Sonar Technicians (Surface) handle that.
They send out sonar signals, listen for echoes, and figure out what’s moving down there. Could be enemy submarines. Could be marine life. Could be something else.
Working in the Combat Information Center (CIC) on cruisers and destroyers, they gather intel. Feed it to navigation teams. Help fire control stay ready. The ship depends on it. One wrong call, and things get risky fast. Sonar keeps the ship ahead of whatever’s out there.
If you’re interested in this job, let’s go.
Job Description
Sonar Technicians – Surface (STG) are Navy enlisted Sailors who operate surface sonar and other oceanographic systems aboard Navy vessels. These professionals collect, analyze, and interpret sonar and oceanographic data, as well as operate underwater fire control systems on surface ships for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) purposes.
Sonar doesn’t just run itself. Sonar Technicians (Surface) keep the equipment sharp and the data flowing. That means running ordnance evolutions, maintaining sonar systems, and fixing issues before they become problems.
There aren’t many who do this job—only about 2,900 STGs in the entire Navy. They work with high-tech computer systems, analyze sonar returns, and make quick decisions with little supervision.
The workspace? Clean. Cool. Controlled. It’s not the open deck. It’s a shipboard shop, full of monitors, sonar consoles, and mission-critical gear.
The job isn’t just about finding what’s below. It’s about making sure the equipment never fails when it matters most.
Specific Responsibilities
Sonar Technicians don’t just sit in a dark room listening for submarines. They track, analyze, and act on what’s happening below the surface.
Every sound means something—enemy movement, marine life, the ocean itself. They figure it out fast.
What They Handle:
- Tell sounds apart. Ships, torpedoes, subs, sonar transmissions, marine life. Gotta know the difference.
- Use sonar sensors. Pick up contacts. Figure out if they’re a threat.
- Deal with interference. Jamming, evasion devices—understand them, work around them.
- Read and send sonar messages. Communication has to be clear.
- Fire torpedoes. If needed, they control underwater fire systems.
- Spot broken gear. If sensors fail, they find out why—fast.
- Use ocean tools. Bathythermographs, fathometers, torpedo countermeasures.
- Handle repairs. Work with hand tools, power tools, underwater comms.
Sonar Technicians don’t just listen. They find, fix, and react—because what’s under the water can change everything.
Career Breakdown:
- 60% of the time is on fleet units—ships, deployments, out at sea.
- 40% is at shore stations, working stateside or in IUSS commands around the world.
Different Roles
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) isn’t just about finding enemy subs—it’s about tracking, analyzing, and making the right call when it counts. These roles keep that mission running.
Anti-Submarine Warfare Manager
The one making the big decisions. Manages Undersea Warfare (USW) and ASW operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Responsibilities include:
- Assessing threats and coordinating tactical decisions
- Managing communication, equipment, and ordnance
- Overseeing training and watch team operations
Anti-Submarine Warfare Operator
The one on the systems, making sure they detect what’s out there. Operates and maintains:
- Sonar systems and underwater fire control
- Surveillance equipment for tracking undersea threats
- Navigation tools to assist in safe ship movement
- Ordnance handling for engagement when needed
Anti-Submarine Warfare Technician
The fixer—makes sure the equipment actually works when it’s needed. Responsible for:
- Troubleshooting and repairing sonar systems
- Maintaining underwater fire control systems
- Keeping support equipment operational
Each role plays a critical part in submarine detection and defense. Without them, the fleet is blind to what’s beneath the surface.
Rank Structure
| Pay Grade | Rate | Abbreviation | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Seaman Recruit | SR | Seaman Recruit |
| E-2 | Seaman Apprentice | SA | Seaman Apprentice |
| E-3 | Seaman | SN | Seaman |
| E-4 | Sonar Technician (Surface) Third Class | STG3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
| E-5 | Sonar Technician (Surface) Second Class | STG2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
| E-6 | Sonar Technician (Surface) First Class | STG1 | Petty Officer First Class |
| E-7 | Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) | STGC | Chief Petty Officer |
| E-8 | Senior Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) | STGCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
| E-9 | Master Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) | STGCM | Master Chief Petty Officer |
Salary and Benefits
Salary for the First 6 Years
Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January 2025 Active Duty Pay chart:
| Paygrade | Less than 2 Years | Over 2 Years | Over 3 Years | Over 4 Years | Over 6 Years |
| E-1 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 |
| E-2 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 |
| E-3 | $2,484.60 | $2,640.60 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 |
| E-4 | $2,752.20 | $2,892.90 | $3,049.80 | $3,204.30 | $3,341.40 |
| E-5 | $3,001.50 | $3,203.70 | $3,358.80 | $3,517.20 | $3,763.80 |
| E-6 | $3,276.60 | $3,606.00 | $3,765.00 | $3,919.80 | $4,080.60 |
Extra Pays and Allowances
Housing Allowance (BAH):
For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.
Subsistence Allowance (BAS):
Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.
Hazard Duty Pay:
For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.
Sea Pay:
For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.
Special and Incentive Pays:
Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.
Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
Benefits
- Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
- Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
- Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
- Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
- Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
- Education:
- Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
- Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Navy College Program to support education while on service.
- Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
- Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
- Extra Benefits:
- Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
- Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.
Training and Career Opportunities
Sonar Technician Training: How It Starts
It all kicks off with Boot Camp in Great Lakes. After that, Sonar Technicians (Surface) head to “A” School to learn the ropes.
Sonar Technician – Surface (STG) Training
- Where? San Diego, CA
- How long? 10 weeks + 6-8 more weeks for advanced sonar operator training
- What you learn?
- Basics of sonar technology
- How to operate and analyze sonar data
- Hands-on training with actual sonar equipment
What Comes Next?
- After training, STGs go straight to a surface ship as sonar operators.
- Over time, they switch between sea duty and shore duty—back and forth.
- More training down the road: Sonar maintenance, underwater fire control, advanced system operations.
Training is just the start. From there, it’s real-world sonar ops, keeping the fleet aware of what’s below.
Post-Service Opportunities
The skills learned as a Sonar Technician (Surface) don’t just stay in the Navy. They open doors in the civilian world, too.
Where STGs Can Work After Service
- Engineering & Technology – Jobs in systems engineering, computer programming, and underwater acoustics.
- Radar & Navigation – Many STGs transition into roles working with radar systems, navigation tech, and communication equipment.
- Oceanography & Research – With experience in sonar and underwater tracking, some work in marine research and ocean exploration.
- Government & Security – Agencies involved in maritime security, intelligence, and defense value sonar expertise.
Whether in tech, research, or defense, STGs leave the Navy with hands-on experience in advanced sonar systems—a skill set that translates into a variety of high-demand careers.
Qualifications to Join
To become an Enlisted Sailor and Sonar Technician – Surface (STG) in the Navy, you need a high-school diploma or equivalent. Sonar Technician applicants cannot have speech impediments and must be U.S. citizens eligible for security clearances.
To qualify as a Sonar Technician (Surface) (STG) in the Navy, candidates must meet specific education, physical, and technical standards.
Basic Requirements
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen
- Security Clearance: Required for this role
- Hearing & Vision:
- Normal hearing and color perception are mandatory
- Hearing must meet specific frequency thresholds (3000Hz, 4000Hz, 5000Hz, 6000Hz)
- No speech impediments
Skills & Traits for Success
- Strong math skills – Arithmetic is critical for sonar calculations
- Attention to detail – Analyzing sonar data requires precision
- Good communication – Must be able to speak and write clearly
- Aptitude for electronics & technology – STGs work with high-tech sonar systems
- Teamwork & adaptability – Works closely with other Navy personnel
- Good memory & problem-solving ability – Recognizing patterns in sonar readings is key
- Manual dexterity – Handling tools and equipment for sonar maintenance
Meeting these qualifications ensures that Sonar Technicians are capable of handling advanced sonar systems and contributing to undersea warfare operations.
ASVAB Requirement
Applicants must score the minimum ASVAB score below to qualify to join the Navy as a Sonar Technician – Surface (STG).
ASVAB score for STG:
- AR + MK + EI + GS = 222
The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public.
So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming a Sonar Technician – Surface (STG), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
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