Petty Officer Second Class is the fifth enlisted rank in the Coast Guard and the second lowest rank of non-commissioned officer (NCO). Like other ranks from PO upwards, the rank requires a combination of technical skill in the designated occupational specialty as well as proven leadership skills, and empowers the Coast Guardsman to act as a law enforcement and federal customs officer.
The "High Year Tenure" ruling places limitations on the length of service of a PO2, as he or she is generally required to have advanced to PO1 after a maximum of 14 years in service. Failure to do so will result in the petty officer being "involuntarily separated" from active duty. The PO2 is typically addressed by his or her occupational specialty rather than rank. Examples are Gunner's Mate Second Class (GM2) or Information Systems Technician Second Class (IT2).
A Petty Officer Second Class is considered a Petty Officer, with a paygrade of E-5. The civilian equivalent of this military rank is roughly GS-5 under the federal government's General Schedule payscale.
On this page you can learn more about a Petty Officer Second Class' payscale, the process of becoming a Petty Officer Second Class, and the history of the rank in the United States Coast Guard.
Starting pay for a Petty Officer Second Class is $2,278.20 per month, with raises for experience resulting in a maximum base pay of $3,232.80 per month. You can use the simple calculator below to see basic and drill pay for a Petty Officer Second Class, or visit our Coast Guard pay calculator for a more detailed salary estimate.
A Petty Officer Second Class is a Petty Officer, with a military paygrade of E-5. The civilian equivalent of this military rank is roughly GS-5 under the federal government's General Schedule payscale.
The table below lists the equivalent ranks of a Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class, and their insignia, in the other four branches of the United States' Armed Services.