Navy Enlisted Jobs: Complete List
Thinking about a Navy career but not sure which path fits?
The Navy offers many job types. Options include combat roles, technical support, and health care. What you qualify for depends on your education. It also depends on your work history. Fitness standards matter too.
This article explains the basics for Fiscal Year 2026. It covers job options. It also covers duties, pay, and benefits. You will know what to expect before you enlist.
Some people want a life at sea. Others want training and steady work. This is a starting point for both.
Navy Enlisted Rating Definition
The Navy groups enlisted Sailors into ratings. A rating is a job based on skills, training, and experience.
Ratings also connect to broader fields. Common fields include Airman (AM), Fireman (FN), and Seaman (SN). Each field includes several specialties.
This system keeps work organized. It helps match each Sailor to a role that fits their abilities. Examples include boatswain’s mate and electrician’s mate.
The Navy assigns people where it needs them. Decisions can move quickly. This helps the Navy operate day to day.
Navy Enlisted Rate Definition
The Navy assigns each enlisted Sailor a rank and pay grade. The range runs from Seaman (E-1) to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (E-9). The Navy calls this an enlisted rate.
The rate system sets the path for promotion. Sailors start at the entry level. They learn the job through training and hands-on work. Over time, they build skills and reach higher levels in their field.
This structure supports a steady career. It keeps training organized. It also helps the Navy track readiness and job performance.
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
For more on becoming an enlisted Sailor in the United States Navy, contact your local Naval Enlisted Recruiter. A recruiter can explain the process. They can also tell you what you may qualify for.
You can also read our How to Join the Navy guide for step-by-step details.
Use this information as a starting point for career planning.