Demographics & Diversity
Which Navy rates have the most and fewest women?
TL;DR — Quick Answer
Administrative and medical ratings like HM, PS, YN, and LS have the highest female representation. Combat-oriented and physically demanding ratings like SO, SB, EOD, and BM have the lowest. The gap reflects personal choice and historical access rather than restrictions.
Ratings with the highest female representation
Hospital Corpsman (HM) and Personnel Specialist (PS) have some of the highest percentages of women. These ratings combine meaningful work with relatively predictable schedules. Yeoman (YN), Logistics Specialist (LS), and Culinary Specialist (CS) also have above-average female representation. Many of these ratings are shore-heavy and offer strong civilian career paths.
Ratings with the fewest women
Special Warfare Operator (SO), Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and Navy Diver (ND) have the fewest women. The physically extreme selection pipelines and operational demands contribute to low numbers across all demographics. Construction ratings (Seabees) and some engineering rates also have lower female representation.
Why the gap exists
The disparity is driven by three factors: historical access (combat and submarine ratings only opened to women recently), physical requirements (some ratings have intense physical screening), and self-selection (more women choose career fields they perceive as aligned with their goals). None of these represent capability restrictions. Women who enter traditionally male-dominated ratings perform at the same standard.
The trend is changing
Female representation in technical and operational ratings has been increasing steadily since all ratings opened in 2016. The Navy actively recruits women into cybersecurity, intelligence, nuclear, and submarine ratings. As more women succeed and become visible in these fields, representation continues to grow. The rate comparison tool shows current data for all ratings.
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