Reviewed by Jonathan Teplitsky · Updated June 2026
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Salary 2026
A Coast Guard rescue swimmer is an Aviation Survival Technician (AST), an enlisted aircrew member. Rescue swimmer pay is the standard enlisted basic pay for the member's rank and years of service, plus hazardous duty pay, dive pay, and tax-free allowances. A new AST around E-4 earns about $3,065 a month in base pay in 2026 — and special pays push real take-home higher.
"Rescue swimmer" is the aircrew job; "AST" is the rate (job specialty). See the full Coast Guard rates guide for how rates work.
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Pay by Rank
Rescue swimmer base pay rises with rank and years of service, just like any enlisted Coast Guard member. These are 2026 monthly basic-pay figures.
| Rank | Typical role | 2026 Monthly Basic | Approx. Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-3 | New AST after training | $2,715 | ~$32,600 |
| E-4 | Qualified rescue swimmer | $3,065 | ~$36,800 |
| E-5 | Experienced AST | $3,620 | ~$43,400 |
| E-6 | Senior rescue swimmer | $4,030 | ~$48,400 |
| E-7 | AST chief / instructor | $5,490 | ~$65,900 |
These figures are basic pay only. They come from the same 2026 table on the Coast Guard pay chart. Special pays and tax-free allowances are added on top.
Special Pays That Raise Rescue Swimmer Pay
Rescue swimmers earn more than their base pay because the job carries several special pays. These stack on top of basic pay.
- Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP): Paid on an ongoing basis because the work is dangerous aircrew duty.
- Dive pay: ASTs perform underwater duties and qualify for diving special pay.
- Sea pay: When assigned to sea-duty units, ASTs draw Career Sea Pay.
- BAH and BAS: Tax-free housing and food allowances that significantly raise take-home pay.
Together, these can add several hundred to over a thousand dollars a month above base pay, depending on rank, location, and assignment.
Total Compensation Example
Consider an E-5 rescue swimmer with six years of service in 2026. Base pay is about $3,620/mo. Add HDIP and dive pay, tax-free BAS of $465.77, and BAH that varies by location — often $1,800 to $3,000/mo. Total monthly compensation commonly lands between $6,500 and $8,000, much of it tax-free.
How to Become a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer
Becoming a rescue swimmer means earning the AST rate and surviving one of the military's hardest training pipelines. The path has clear steps.
- Enlist in the Coast Guard and qualify for the AST rate with the required ASVAB scores.
- Pass the AST physical fitness test — demanding swims, buddy tows, and underwater work.
- Complete AST "A" School at Elizabeth City, North Carolina, the core rescue-swimmer course.
- Earn aircrew and EMT qualifications and report to an air station.
The course has a high attrition rate. Strong swimmers who prepare for months before arriving have the best odds.
Requirements to Be a Rescue Swimmer
The requirements are physical and technical. Candidates need qualifying ASVAB scores, good eyesight, and elite conditioning. The job demands sustained swimming in rough water, the strength to tow survivors, and the composure to work in storms and surf. You must hold the AST rate and complete the survival and rescue training pipeline.
Is the Job Worth It?
Rescue swimmers earn solid pay with valuable tax-free allowances, possible enlistment bonuses for the aviation rate, and strong Coast Guard benefits. But the real draw is the mission: pulling people from danger at sea. The pay reflects the risk through ongoing hazardous duty incentive pay, and the experience builds rare, marketable skills.
Sources
USCG Aviation Survival Technician, USCG pay and benefits, DFAS pay tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Coast Guard rescue swimmer's salary?
Enlisted basic pay by rank — about $3,065/mo (~$37k/yr) for an E-4 AST in 2026 — plus hazardous duty, dive pay, and tax-free BAH and BAS.
How much does a Coast Guard rescue swimmer make?
Base pay $2,715/mo (E-3) to $5,490/mo (E-7) in 2026, before special pays and allowances.
Do rescue swimmers get extra pay?
Yes — ongoing hazardous duty incentive pay, dive pay, and sea pay, on top of basic pay and tax-free allowances.
How do you become a Coast Guard rescue swimmer?
Enlist, earn the AST rate, and pass AST "A" School in Elizabeth City, NC — one of the military's toughest courses.