SPECOPSLAB

KSK vs SEAL

Fitness test and pay side by side. The published minimum fitness standards of KSK and SEAL, event by event, with pay where we have it. Higher levels are in the paid report.

GERMANYKommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) — KommandosoldatPFV Phase 1 — minimum standards (Kommandosoldat)OFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →UNITED STATESU.S. Navy SEALPhysical Screening Test (PST)OFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →

Minimum standards, event by event

EventKSKSEAL
Pull-ups (overhand, from dead hang)SEAL: Pull-ups (no time limit)710stricter
Sit-ups (30 s)20only this unit—
Push-ups, hand-release (30 s)SEAL: Push-ups (2 min)2250stricter
Coordination course2:00only this unit—
Casualty transport (approx. 38 m, 2 obstacles)2:00only this unit—
200 m swim in combat uniform (+ undress in water)7:30only this unit—
20 km march with 20 kg210 minonly this unit—
500 yd swim (side/breaststroke)—12:30only this unit
Curl-ups (2 min)—50only this unit
1.5 mi run—10:30only this unit

Events in the same row are similar but not identical — read the event names.

Higher levels (e.g. competitive or elevated standards) and your gap to each are in the paid report.

Where the bar is higher

SEAL sets the higher minimum in: pull-ups and push-ups.

KSK tests 7 events, SEAL tests 5 events.

Pay

KSK
€4,541 / monthWhat a KSK commando soldier (Kommandosoldat) earns · Oberfeldwebel (A 7) · Stufe 3 · default scenario, grosspartly provisional
SEAL
$6,901 / monthWhat a SEAL earns · E-5 · >3 · default scenario, gross

Amounts are in each country’s own currency and are not converted.

Questions

Is KSK or SEAL harder to get into?

SEAL sets the higher minimum in: pull-ups and push-ups. These are only the published fitness minimums; selection itself, medical and other requirements differ, and passing the minimum does not guarantee selection.

How do the KSK and SEAL fitness tests differ?

KSK: 7 events (pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, coord, casualty, swim 200, march 20k). SEAL: 5 events (swim, push-ups, curl-ups, pull-ups, run 1.5mi).

Does KSK or SEAL pay more?

KSK: €4,541/month; SEAL: $6,901/month (default scenarios, gross). The amounts are in different currencies and depend on taxes and cost of living, so we do not rank them.

Sources:
KSK
SEAL