A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HOSPITAL CORPSMAN SALARY & REQUIREMENTS

Undertaking a U.S. Navy hospital corpsman career is a tremendous path and not for the faint of heart. You’ll not only need to perfect your healthcare skills, but you’ll also be called upon to be ready to coordinate yourself on the battlefield. If you’re looking to become a hospital corpsman, learn more about salary expectations and the requirements you need below.

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An Overview of Hospital Corpsman Salary Data

How much do hospital corpsman make? Your salary will be dependent upon your rank as a Sailor. On average, you can expect to make around $68,000, but again, it will range depending on rank and experience. A Navy corpsman falls between the ranks of E-4 and E-6, and there's a pay increase taking place in 2023. Here’s what that means for your salary expectations:

• E-4 can range between $60,072 and $72,936.
• E-5 can range between $65,520 and $93,000.
• E-6 can range between $71,520 and $110,784.

The corpsman ranks will rise progressively from lower to higher on the military pay chart according to time in service and rank.

Navy Hospital Corpsman Requirements

Pursuing U.S. Navy hospital corpsman careers provides a great chance to both advance your path in healthcare and help defend your country. But the stakes are high when it comes to the U.S. military, especially the healthcare of those defending our freedom. Here’s a snapshot look at a hospital corpsman job description and the requirements you’ll need to make the cut:

Hospital Corpsman (HM)

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Normal color perception and vision correctable to 20/20.
• The capability of reaching the proper security clearance.

Hospital Corpsman Advanced Technical Field (HM-ATF)

Those who go through the Hospital Corpsman Technical Field will need to have the same requirements as an HM, as well as:

• Be under the age of 29.
• Be willing to take on at least a six-year enlistment.
• Be able to complete a Physical Screening Test (PST), meeting the standards of 50 sit-ups, 50 push-ups, 10 pull-ups, swimming 1.5 miles in 12:30, and running 500 yards in 10:30.
• Qualify as a Student Naval Aviator (SNA).
• Meet the requirements of maturity, ability, and intelligence to perform in combat situations as well as practice medical care.
• Display good communication skills, writing and math skills, manual dexterity, and possess a good memory.
• Present a sincere interest in general healthcare.
• Act in a dependable, resourceful, and trustworthy manner.

Additional qualifications & requirements can be found on the Navy’s website.

What Is a Hospital Corpsman?

A hospital corpsman is a medical specialist working to help in many different healthcare functions all around the world. Those who serve in this capacity may find themselves helping the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Coast Guard. From hospitals to clinics to performing healthcare on vessels, Hospital Corpsmen do it all and are often the main healthcare providers for both Sailors and Marines deployed for long periods of time. Healthcare functions include taking care of injuries, preventing illness, and even taking care of the family members of those serving.

Can Hospital Corpsman Challenge LPN Exam?

Yes, hospital corpsmen are allowed to challenge the LPN exam. Should you choose to do so, you’ll then have to present enough evidence to the Board that you have received adequate training that meets the standards of both your job and the U.S. Navy.

Do Hospital Corpsman See Combat?

In general, it’s unusual for a corpsman to see combat, as they spend most of their service in hospitals or on ships and submarines. This doesn’t mean that combat isn’t possible; it’s the military, after all, and you can still be deployed to perform your duties. Emergency scenarios in assisting the Navy and USMC with medical care on the battlefield is a possibility at any time. If you enjoy healthcare and want to pursue a career within the field while serving your country, becoming a hospital corpsman is a great choice.

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The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. | Photo by Erwin Jacob Miciano | Naval Medical Center San Diego