A petty officer is a non-commissioned officer in many navies, including the United States Navy, and is given the NATO rank denotation OR-5 or OR-6. Petty officers are usually sailors that have served at least several years in their respective navies and represent the junior and mid-grade non-commissioned officer ranks of many naval services. They are generally responsible for the day-to-day supervision of ranks junior to them and may also serve as technical specialists within their rating (military occupation) . Petty officers are the backbone of the United States Navy and serve as the link between the junior enlisted ranks and the officer corps. They review and prioritize division jobs daily, supervise the daily activities of the junior sailors, and handle the more demanding parts of the divisions work. Petty officers with more experience are expected to provide training in basic skills to their junior petty officers. To become a petty officer, you must have six to fourteen years of experience and meet all the requirements for becoming surface warfare qualified. The rank of the petty officer is divided into six increasing higher ranks, starting from the E-4 to the E-9. Petty officers make an average salary of $59,236 per annum, ranging between $38,000 and $93,000.

In summary, a petty officer in the navy is a non-commissioned officer who is responsible for supervising the day-to-day activities of junior sailors and making sure that they have a productive day. Petty officers are usually sailors that have served at least several years in their respective navies and represent the junior and mid-grade non-commissioned officer ranks of many naval services.