In the naval rank structure, which rank comes after Captain?

In the naval rank structure, the rank that comes directly after Captain is Commander. A Captain is typically in the pay grade O-6, and the next rank down the line is Commander, which is O-5.

The ranks of Rear Admiral Lower Half, Rear Admiral Upper Half, and Vice Admiral come later in the hierarchy. Rear Admiral Lower Half is O-7, which follows Captain but does not come immediately after; it is one rank above Captain, making Commander the immediate successor. Rear Admiral Upper Half is O-8, and Vice Admiral is O-9, both are higher than Rear Admiral Lower Half. Understanding this progression is essential in navigating naval rank structures and recognizing the hierarchy within the Navy.