⚓ Royal Australian Navy (RAN)

Royal Australian Navy Pay Scales (2025–2026)

Official Australian Defence Force military pay scales across RAN Sailor and Officer ranks with standard ADF Service Allowance and 16.4% ADF Superannuation.

RAN Rank Salary Scales (Pay Group 3 + Service Allowance)

Based on official Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) Determination (2025–2026 Rates)

Classification Band Base Salary (AUD) Super (16.4%) Estimated Tax & Medicare Net Take-Home Pay Actions
Recruit / Trainee (RCT) Base PG3 ($52,400) + $16,320 Service Allowance $52,400 +$8,594 -$7,342 $45,058
Able Seaman (AB) Base PG3 ($74,200) + $16,320 Service Allowance $90,520 +$14,845 -$19,754 $70,766
Leading Seaman (LS) Base PG3 ($85,900) + $16,320 Service Allowance $102,220 +$16,764 -$23,498 $78,722
Petty Officer (PO) Base PG3 ($98,400) + $16,320 Service Allowance $114,720 +$18,814 -$27,498 $87,222
Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Base PG3 ($112,500) + $16,320 Service Allowance $128,820 +$21,126 -$32,010 $96,810
Sub Lieutenant (SBLT) Base PG3 ($89,400) + $16,320 Service Allowance $105,720 +$17,338 -$24,618 $81,102
Lieutenant (LEUT) Base PG3 ($106,200) + $16,320 Service Allowance $122,520 +$20,093 -$29,994 $92,526
Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Base PG3 ($131,800) + $16,320 Service Allowance $148,120 +$24,292 -$39,105 $109,015
Commander (CMDR) Base PG3 ($156,400) + $16,320 Service Allowance $172,720 +$28,326 -$48,699 $124,021
Captain (RAN) (CAPT) Base PG3 ($186,500) + $16,320 Service Allowance $202,820 +$33,262 -$61,463 $141,357
🇦🇺 2025–2026 Tax Year Stage 3 Cuts Active

Calculate Able Seaman Take-Home Pay

Stage 3 Tax Cuts, 12% Superannuation Guarantee, and ATO Withholding Engine

$
Advanced Adjustments (Salary Sacrifice & Hours)
Net Take-Home Pay
$ 70,766 / year in your pocket
Fortnightly Net $2,722
Weekly Net $1,361
Hourly Net (38h) $35.81
Net Pay (77.7%) Tax & Medicare (22.3%)
Gross Taxable Income $90,520
Total Income Tax (Stage 3) -$17,944
Medicare Levy (2.0%) -$1,810
Superannuation (12%) Paid by employer on top +$14,845
Effective Tax Rate: 21.8%
Marginal Tax Rate: 30%

Understanding ADF Remuneration & Pay Groups

Australian Defence Force military pay is determined by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT). Total remuneration consists of base pay according to the member's rank and assigned Pay Group (PG 1 through PG 10 depending on employment category and technical qualification), plus standard allowances (including Service Allowance, Maritime Disability Allowance, and Uniform Allowance).

Related Tool / Scale Civilian Comparison

Compare Navy vs Federal APS Salaries

Compare military remuneration against civilian Australian Public Service equivalent grades.

Stack graphic illustrating military rank base pay, DFRT Service Allowance, and 16.4% ADF Superannuation
AI Visual
Figure 1: ADF Tri-Service Remuneration Package — combining base rank pay, annual Service Allowance ($15,482), and 16.4% ADF Superannuation.
❓ E-E-A-T Verified Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Australian tax, superannuation, and take-home pay guidance grounded in current ATO rulings.

What is the Australian Navy Able Seaman salary in 2025–2026?

An Able Seaman (AB) in Pay Group 3 earns a base salary of $74,200 plus the standard ADF Service Allowance of $16,320, totaling $90,520 in gross annual pay. Technical/specialist Able Seamen in Pay Group 6 earn $100,920 total. ADF personnel also receive 16.4% ADF Super.

What is the ADF Service Allowance?

The ADF Service Allowance ($16,320 per year) is paid to permanent military personnel (up to the rank of Major/Lieutenant Commander) to compensate for the unique demands and unpredictability of military life, including irregular hours and duty commitments.