As an expert in military compensation and career progression, I can provide a detailed overview of the salary structure for a Navy commander. It's important to note that military pay is a complex system that takes into account various factors, including rank, years of service, and additional allowances and bonuses.

**Step 1: Understanding the Rank and Paygrade**
A Navy commander is a commissioned officer with a significant leadership role. They are ranked as Department of Defense paygrade O-5. This paygrade is one of the middle ranks in the military hierarchy, and it comes with a corresponding salary that reflects the responsibilities and experience of the position.

Step 2: Basic Pay Structure
The basic pay for military personnel is determined by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and is based on the military's pay tables. These tables consider the rank and the years of service. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2013, a new commander (O-5) earned a basic pay of $5,055.90 per month. This figure is subject to change with each passing year, reflecting the annual increase in military pay scales.

**Step 3: Incremental Increases with Service**
The basic pay for a Navy commander increases with each year of service. For instance, a commander in their fifth year of service would earn a basic pay of $6,164.10 per month, while a commander with ten years of experience would receive $6,880.80 per month. These figures are indicative and would be adjusted according to the most current pay tables.

**Step 4: Additional Allowances and Benefits**
In addition to basic pay, Navy commanders also receive various allowances and benefits, which can significantly increase their overall compensation. These may include:

- Housing Allowance: To offset the cost of housing when not living in government-provided quarters.
- Subsistence Allowance: To cover the cost of food.
- Special Pay and Incentives: For certain qualifications, assignments, or hardships.
- Family Separation Allowance: If the commander is on a duty assignment that requires them to be separated from their dependents.
- Hazard Duty Pay: For assignments in hazardous conditions or locations.
- Combat Zone Tax Exclusion: For service in designated combat zones.

Step 5: Retirement and Longevity Pay
Military personnel, including Navy commanders, also accrue retirement benefits, which are a significant part of their long-term compensation. The retirement pay is based on the years of service and the average of the highest 36 months of basic pay.

Step 6: Tax Considerations
Military pay, including that of a Navy commander, is subject to federal income tax. However, certain allowances and benefits may be non-taxable, depending on the circumstances and the specific regulations in place.

Step 7: Conclusion
The salary of a Navy commander is a combination of basic pay, which increases with years of service, and additional allowances and benefits. It's important to consult the most recent military pay charts and speak with a military finance officer to get an accurate and up-to-date figure for a Navy commander's salary.

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A navy commander is ranked as Department of Defense paygrade O-5. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2013, a new commander earned $5,055.90 monthly in basic pay. This rises annually with service. A commander in his fifth year earns $6,164.10 a month, while a 10-year veteran commander earns $6,880.80.read more >>