What is the pay grade for a Petty Officer Third Class?

• A. E-3
• B. E-4
• C. E-5
• D. E-6

Answer: (B)

Understanding Navy enlisted pay grades and what a Petty Officer Third Class represents helps you connect rank with pay level. Petty Officer Third Class is at pay grade E-4. In the Navy’s enlisted ladder, the progression starts with entry ranks at E-1 through E-3 (Seaman Recruit, Seaman Apprentice, and Seaman), and then reaches Petty Officer Third Class at E-4. From there the line continues to Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) and Petty Officer First Class (E-6), followed by Chief Petty Officer (E-7) and higher. The letter indicates enlisted status, and the number shows your level within that track; E-4 marks a junior petty officer who may take on some supervisory duties and lead or assist smaller teams as you gain experience.