Which rank is E-9?

• A. Master Chief Petty Officer
• B. Senior Chief Petty Officer
• C. Chief Petty Officer
• D. Petty Officer Fourth Class

Answer: (A)

In the Navy, enlisted ranks are assigned by paygrades from E-1 up to E-9, with the highest enlisted paygrade being E-9. The rank that corresponds to E-9 is Master Chief Petty Officer, which sits above Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8) and Chief Petty Officer (E-7). Petty Officer Fourth Class is an E-4 rank, well below E-9. So Master Chief Petty Officer is the correct answer because it represents the top enlisted paygrade in the standard progression. (Note: Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy is a specific appointment at the same E-9 level.)