Captain (United States)
| Captain (O-6) | |
|---|---|
Insignia of the naval rank of captain | |
| Country | United States |
| Service branch | United States Navy United States Coast Guard United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps US Maritime Service |
| Abbreviation | CAPT |
| Rank group | Senior officer |
| NATO rank code | OF-5 |
| Pay grade | O-6 |
| Next higher rank | Rear admiral (lower half) |
| Next lower rank | Commander |
| Equivalent ranks | Colonel |
| Captain (O-3) | |
|---|---|
Insignia of the USA, USAF, and USSF rank of captain | |
Insignia of the USMC rank of captain | |
| Country | United States |
| Service branch | United States Army United States Air Force United States Marine Corps United States Space Force |
| Abbreviation | CPT (USA); Capt. (USAF/USSF); Capt, Capt., or CAPT (USMC) |
| Rank group | Junior or company-grade officer |
| NATO rank code | OF-2 |
| Pay grade | O-3 |
| Next higher rank | Major |
| Next lower rank | First lieutenant |
| Equivalent ranks | Lieutenant (USN, USCG, USPHSCC, NOAA Corps, US Maritime Service) |
In the uniformed services of the United States, captain is a commissioned-officer rank. In keeping with the traditions of the militaries of most nations, the rank varies between the services, being a senior rank in the naval services (O-6) and a junior rank in the ground and air forces (O-3). Many fire departments and police departments in the United States also use the rank of captain as an officer in a specific unit.