Which pay grade is assigned to a Master Chief Petty Officer?

• A. E-8
• B. E-7
• C. E-6
• D. E-9

Answer: (D)

In the Navy, enlisted ranks are matched to pay grades that run from E-1 up to E-9. The Master Chief Petty Officer is the top enlisted rank, which places it at pay grade E-9. There is another E-9 title as well (Senior Master Chief Petty Officer), but “Master Chief Petty Officer” specifically corresponds to E-9. The other options map to lower ranks: Chief Petty Officer is E-7, Senior Chief Petty Officer is E-8, and E-6 is the rank for Petty Officer First Class.