As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lieutenant Commander in the United States is $88,753 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a Lieutenant Commander's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lieutenant Commander's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lieutenant Commanders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 4.54% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 3.97% |
| Stock Control | 1.72% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$97,628 |
10%
|
|
Budgeting
|
$94,078 |
6%
|
|
CMMS
|
$93,191 |
5%
|
|
Commitment
|
$93,191 |
5%
|
|
Safety Policies and Procedures
|
$93,191 |
5%
|
|
Motivating
|
$92,303 |
4%
|
For Lieutenant Commander roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Lieutenant Commander positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lieutenant Commander as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $110,941 | $53.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $106,504 | $51.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $106,504 | $51.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $106,504 | $51.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $102,066 | $49.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lieutenant Commanders enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Lieutenant Commander with a Bachelor's Degree is between $93,103 and $99,128).
Lieutenant Commander Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 55.9% |
| Associates | 18.8% |
| Bachelors | 21.2% |
| Masters | 2.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Lieutenant Commander's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Lieutenant Commander can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $74,284 in 2023 to around $74,217 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lieutenant Commander salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $74,284 |
| 2024 | $74,804 |
| 2025 | $74,217 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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