Reviewed by Jonathan Teplitsky · Updated June 2026
Coast Guard Rates: The Enlisted Job Specialties
A Coast Guard rate is an enlisted job specialty — the trade a member works in, such as Boatswain's Mate or Machinery Technician. The Coast Guard maintains about two dozen active rates across deck, engineering, aviation, and support communities.
Rate is not the same as rank. Your rate is your job; your rank is your pay grade. Combined, they form your full title, like Machinery Technician First Class (MK1). For pay grades, see the Coast Guard ranks guide.
Coast Guard Rates List by Community
The Coast Guard groups its enlisted ratings into broad communities. Each rate carries an official two- or three-letter abbreviation worn as a rating badge on the uniform.
Deck, Operations, and Weapons
- BM — Boatswain's Mate (deck operations, coxswain, navigation)
- ME — Maritime Enforcement Specialist (law enforcement, port security)
- GM — Gunner's Mate (weapons systems and ordnance)
- OS — Operations Specialist (command center, search and rescue coordination)
- IS — Intelligence Specialist
Engineering, Hull, and Cyber
- MK — Machinery Technician (engines, hydraulics, ship systems)
- DC — Damage Controlman (hull repair, firefighting, welding)
- EM — Electrician's Mate
- ET — Electronics Technician
- IT — Information Systems Technician
- DV — Diver
- CMS — Cyber Mission Specialist (newest rate, established 2023)
Aviation
- AMT — Aviation Maintenance Technician
- AST — Aviation Survival Technician (the rescue swimmers)
- AET — Avionics Electrical Technician
Administrative, Scientific, and Support
- YN — Yeoman (administration and personnel)
- SK — Storekeeper (supply and logistics)
- CS — Culinary Specialist
- HS — Health Services Technician
- MST — Marine Science Technician (environmental, port safety)
- PA — Public Affairs Specialist
- MU — Musician
- IV — Investigator (Reserve)
Rate vs Rank in the Coast Guard
New Coasties often confuse rate and rank. The difference is simple: rate is what you do, rank is your pay grade.
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Rate | Job specialty | Machinery Technician (MK) |
| Rank | Pay grade and authority | Petty Officer First Class (E-6) |
| Combined title | Rate + rank | Machinery Technician First Class (MK1) |
How You Earn a Coast Guard Rate
You earn a rate two ways. The first is an 'A' School — formal training in a specialty after boot camp. The second is 'striking' — working in a field at your unit and qualifying on the job without a school seat.
Most members earn a rate within their first few years, advancing from a non-rated Seaman, Fireman, or Airman to a rated petty officer. Your rate then shapes your assignments, advancement, and the rating badge you wear.
Rates and Your Pay
Your rate does not change your basic pay — pay grade does. But your rate decides whether you serve afloat and qualify for Career Sea Pay, and some rates earn special or incentive pays. See the Coast Guard pay chart for basic pay by grade.
Most In-Demand Coast Guard Rates
Some rates are larger, more visible, or harder to enter than others. A few stand out for recruits choosing a path.
- Boatswain's Mate (BM): The largest rate and the backbone of deck and small-boat operations. Broadest path to command-level enlisted leadership.
- Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME): The Coast Guard's dedicated law enforcement and security rate, stood up in 2010.
- Aviation Survival Technician (AST): The elite rescue swimmers. One of the most physically demanding and selective rates.
- Machinery Technician (MK): Keeps cutters and boats running; a large engineering rate with strong civilian crossover.
- Cyber Mission Specialist (CMS): The newest rate, created in 2023 to grow the service's cyber workforce — and the target of the largest Coast Guard bonuses.
Choosing a Coast Guard Rate
The best rate for you depends on where you want to serve and what skills you want to build. Use a few simple criteria to compare options.
| If you want… | Consider these rates |
|---|---|
| Sea duty and small-boat work | BM, MK, GM |
| Law enforcement and security | ME, IS |
| Aviation and rescue | AST, AMT, AET |
| Technical and cyber skills | ET, IT, CMS |
| Healthcare or support | HS, YN, SK, CS |
Rates that serve afloat open the door to Career Sea Pay, while shore-based rates trade sea pay for a steadier home life. Many members move between sea and shore tours across a career.
Sources
U.S. Coast Guard enlisted careers, List of USCG ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Coast Guard rates?
Enlisted job specialties like Boatswain's Mate (BM) or Machinery Technician (MK) — about two dozen active rates.
What is the difference between a rate and rank?
Rate is your job; rank is your pay grade. Together: Boatswain's Mate Second Class (BM2).
How do you get a rate in the Coast Guard?
Attend an 'A' School, or 'strike' for a rate by qualifying on the job at a unit.
What rate are Coast Guard rescue swimmers?
Aviation Survival Technician (AST). Rescue swimmer is the aircrew duty of an AST.