Navy Yeoman (YN): Definitive Guide (2025)

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

Some people think admin work means sitting in the same office every day. Not here. As a Navy Yeoman, your skills keep the fleet running, and no two days are the same.

One day, you’re handling classified correspondence. The next, you’re keeping legal records straight for a shipboard legal team.

Promotions, reports, official communications—you make sure it all gets done. Whether on land or at sea, your work is always in demand.

Want to start your journey with the Navy?

Job Description

navy-yn-insignia
YN Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Yeomen (YNs) handle the paperwork that keeps the Navy running. Admin work, legal support, personnel records—if it involves documents, a Yeoman is on it. They type reports, process transfers, track pay records, and maintain classified files. They also handle travel arrangements and keep service histories up to date.

In legal offices, YNs assist with courts-martial, administrative hearings, and investigations. On ships, they help Commanding Officers with reports and correspondence. Wherever there’s Navy business, YNs keep things organized.

They work on ships, shore bases, and even submarines if they qualify as YN Submarines. Expect an office setting, sometimes working alone, sometimes in a team. Work can be fast-paced, especially when handling sensitive materials or legal cases.

There are around 6,400 Yeomen in the Navy. Over a 20-year career, expect about 40% of your time at sea and 60% at shore stations.


Specific Responsibilities

  • Type and process official Navy documents
  • Maintain personnel records and service histories
  • Assist in legal offices with courts-martial, investigations, and administrative hearings
  • Handle travel orders, financial records, and leave requests
  • Track classified materials and maintain security paperwork
  • Organize files, directives, and publications
  • Provide admin support to leadership and department heads
  • Manage schedules and oversee office operations

If there’s paperwork involved, a YN makes sure it’s done right. No admin, no order.

Yeoman (YN)

  • Draft and send documents and official messages
  • Keep records updated, including service and personnel files
  • Handle in-person and phone communication in offices
  • Manage administrative work for office personnel
  • Store and archive official documents and publications
  • Assist in legal offices with administrative tasks
  • Act as office managers, ensuring smooth daily operations
  • Perform various clerical and admin duties as needed

Yeoman Submarines (YNS)

  • Process and distribute mail on submarines
  • Handle payroll and financial records at sea
  • Maintain and secure classified documents
  • Coordinate with Navy public affairs for media interactions
  • Plan and organize high-level events
  • Draft and send letters, reports, and official correspondence
  • Track personnel records and manage service files
  • Oversee office communication, both in-person and by phone
  • Administer personnel functions and office organization
  • Publish, store, and maintain official documents
  • Support legal procedures with clerical and record-keeping tasks
  • Keep submarine office operations running smoothly

Different Roles

Administrative Assistant

  • Handle daily office tasks like preparing, typing, and routing documents
  • Operate office equipment—computers, copiers, audio recorders
  • Process correspondence and reports for naval operations
  • Maintain organized files and official records

Administrative Supervisor

  • Train and oversee administrative personnel
  • Manage files, records, and official publications
  • Provide support for legal proceedings and document preparation
  • Supervise day-to-day administrative functions

Office Manager

  • Oversee office personnel administration and workflow
  • Communicate policies, procedures, and expectations
  • Supervise office employees to ensure efficiency and quality standards
  • Evaluate job performance, address errors, and recommend personnel actions
  • Schedule work assignments and manage deadlines

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRateAbbreviationTitle
E-1Seaman RecruitSRSeaman Recruit
E-2Seaman ApprenticeSASeaman Apprentice
E-3SeamanSNSeaman
E-4Yeoman Third ClassYN3Petty Officer Third Class
E-5Yeoman Second ClassYN2Petty Officer Second Class
E-6Yeoman First ClassYN1Petty Officer First Class
E-7Chief YeomanYNCChief Petty Officer
E-8Senior Chief YeomanYNCSSenior Chief Petty Officer
E-9Master Chief YeomanYNCMMaster 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:

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.
Navy-YN-Rating-Yeoman-Image-704X396

Training and Career Opportunities

Initial Training

After Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, you’ll move on to specialized training:

  • Class “A” Technical School7 weeks in Meridian, MS
    • Learn personnel administration forms and procedures
    • Group instruction and hands-on training

Career Growth

Promotion opportunities are available, but competitive and based on performance.

  • Advanced Training: Available later in your career
  • Officer Roles: With a degree and leadership aspirations, you may qualify for commissioning programs

Post-Service Opportunities

The skills you gain transfer directly to the civilian world. Possible careers include:

  • Executive Assistant
  • Legal Assistant
  • Human Resources Specialist

Qualifications to Join

Basic Requirements

To become a Yeoman (YN) in the Navy, you must:

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Be a U.S. citizen eligible for a security clearance
  • Pass a typing test during training

Skills & Attributes

Ideal candidates should have:

  • Strong writing and oral communication skills
  • Record-keeping and attention to detail
  • The ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately
  • People-oriented mindset, working well as part of a team
  • Curiosity, resourcefulness, and a good memory

Additional for Yeoman Submarines (YNS)

  • Must volunteer for submarine service

ASVAB Requirements (Meet one of these scores)

  • MK + VE = 99; or
  • CS + MK + VE = 148

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 Yeoman (YN), 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 in Administration

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.

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