Navy Steelworker (SW): Definitive Guide (2025)

This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Steelworker (SW) during the Fiscal Year 2025.

Some people stop building when they grow up. Steelworkers (SWs) don’t. They weld, cut, and shape metal into bridges, towers, buildings—whatever the mission needs. The Navy moves on steel, and SWs are the ones who put it together.

But it’s not just about fabrication. It’s about being ready. Seabees build and fight. One minute, you’re welding a structure. The next, you’re defending it. That’s the job.

Job Description

navy-sw-insignia
SW Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Steelworkers weld, cut, and assemble the steel structures the Navy needs—bridges, buildings, towers, tanks. They don’t just put things together; they make sure they last.

What They Do

SWs don’t just work metal—they lead crews, deploy materials, and keep construction on schedule. Every mission needs a foundation, and they’re the ones making it happen.

  • Structural Construction – Build steel bridges, buildings, towers, and pre-engineered structures.
  • Welding & Fabrication – Cut, shape, and weld structural steel, sheet metal, and reinforcements.
  • Blueprints & Planning – Read, analyze, and sketch out construction designs.
  • Steel Reinforcement – Lay, tie, and install reinforcing steel in concrete structures.
  • Project Coordination – Oversee crews, manage materials, and keep jobs moving.
  • Combat & Disaster Response – Ready to defend a site or rebuild after a disaster.

Where They Work

  • Navy bases, ports, and construction sites worldwide.
  • Disaster zones – Rebuilding communities after hurricanes, earthquakes, or combat damage.
  • Land-based commandsSeabees rarely deploy at sea.

The Numbers

  • 850 Steelworkers serve in the Navy.
  • Some work solo, others in large teams—but all get the job done.

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRankAbbreviation
E-1Constructionman RecruitCR
E-2Constructionman ApprenticeCA
E-3ConstructionmanCN
E-4Steelworker Third ClassSW3
E-5Steelworker Second ClassSW2
E-6Steelworker First ClassSW1
E-7Chief SteelworkerSWC
E-8Senior Chief ConstructionmanCUCS
E-9Seabee Master ChiefCBCM

Notes:

  • At the E-8 level, Steelworkers merge with the Builder and Engineering Aide ratings under the title Senior Chief Constructionman (CUCS).
  • At the E-9 level, all Seabee ratings combine under the title Seabee Master Chief (CBCM).

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:

Pay GradeLess than 2 YearsOver 2 YearsOver 3 YearsOver 4 YearsOver 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

Boot Camp & “A” School

  • Start at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (Boot Camp).
  • Class “A” Technical School – Gulfport, MS | 10–11 weeks
    • Learn basic construction, metalwork, and combat skills.
    • Hands-on training in welding, fabrication, and structural assembly.

First Assignments

After training, Steelworkers report to:

  • Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB)Port Hueneme, CA or Gulfport, MS.
  • Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB)San Diego, CA or Little Creek, VA.
  • Rotations between homeport and overseas locations like Spain, Okinawa, or Guam.
  • Additional combat and construction training during homeport duty.

Career Progression

  • Promotions aren’t automatic. Competitive. Performance drives advancement.
  • Advanced training in welding, heavy steelwork, and project leadership available later.

Post-Service Opportunities

  • Trade certifications in welding, fabrication, and construction.
  • Jobs in commercial construction, infrastructure development, and metalwork.
  • Seabees build real-world structures—skills that translate straight to the civilian workforce.

Qualifications to Join

Basic Requirements

  • U.S. citizen – No exceptions.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • 5-year enlistment commitment.

ASVAB Score Requirement

  • AR + MC + AS = 145 (Arithmetic Reasoning, Mechanical Comprehension, Auto & Shop).

Skills & Qualifications

  • Hands-on skillsWork with tools, machines, and heavy equipment.
  • Math knowledge – Algebra is a must.
  • Writing & speaking skills – Clear communication on job sites.
  • Record-keeping ability – Track materials, blueprints, and project details.
  • Attention to detailOne wrong weld, one miscut beam, and the whole structure is compromised.

Physical & Personal Traits

  • Manual dexterity – Steady hands, precise control.
  • Strong teamwork skillsNo one builds alone.
  • Good stamina & physical conditionSteel is heavy. The work is hard.
  • Curiosity & resourcefulnessFigure things out. Solve problems. Get the job done.
  • Normal hearing required.

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 Steelworker (SW), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.

You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted jobs:

Ted Kingston
I’m a Navy veteran who used to serve as a Navy recruiter. This website is the most reliable source of information for all Enlisted Navy Sailor aspirants. In coordination with a network of current and former Navy recruiters, my goal is to make reliable information easily available to you so you can make informed career decisions.

Affiliate Notice
The pages on this site may contain affiliate links. I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases through these links. You agree to this notice if you continue to use this site.