How Much Do Army Soldiers Make?
Serving in the United States Army can be a rewarding and challenging career, with opportunities for advancement and development. One of the most common questions prospective recruits and their families ask is how much do army soldiers make? The answer can vary depending on factors such as rank, experience, and job specialty. In this article, we will delve into the details of army salaries and provide an overview of what to expect.
Basic Pay
Enlisted Soldiers:
- Private (E-1): $1,733.70 per month (base pay)
- Private First Class (E-2): $1,942.70 per month (base pay)
- Specialist/Corporal (E-4): $2,342.70 per month (base pay)
- Sergeant (E-5): $2,642.70 per month (base pay)
- Staff Sergeant (E-6): $2,942.70 per month (base pay)
- Sergeant First Class (E-7): $3,442.70 per month (base pay)
- Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8): $3,942.70 per month (base pay)
- Sergeant Major (E-9): $4,442.70 per month (base pay)
Officer Ranks:
- Second Lieutenant (O-1): $3,287.80 per month (base pay)
- First Lieutenant (O-2): $3,734.40 per month (base pay)
- Captain (O-3): $4,327.50 per month (base pay)
- Major (O-4): $5,174.50 per month (base pay)
- Lieutenant Colonel (O-5): $5,764.50 per month (base pay)
- Colonel (O-6): $6,544.50 per month (base pay)
- Brigadier General (O-7): $7,434.50 per month (base pay)
- Major General (O-8): $8,354.50 per month (base pay)
- Lieutenant General (O-9): $9,284.50 per month (base pay)
- General (O-10): $10,234.50 per month (base pay)
Additional Pay
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): varies by location and rank
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): $369.45 per month
- Special Pays:
- Hazardous Duty Pay: $150-$300 per month
- Flight Pay: $150-$300 per month
- Diving Duty Pay: $150-$300 per month
- Language Proficiency Pay: $100-$500 per month
- Enlistment Bonuses: $5,000-$40,000 (one-time payment)
Rank and Time in Service
Enlisted Soldiers:
- Time in Service:
- 2-3 years: E-1 to E-3
- 4-6 years: E-4 to E-5
- 7-10 years: E-6 to E-7
- 11-14 years: E-8
- 15+ years: E-9
- Rank and Time in Service:
- E-5: 4-6 years
- E-6: 6-8 years
- E-7: 8-12 years
- E-8: 12-18 years
- E-9: 18+ years
Officer Ranks:
- Time in Service:
- 2-4 years: O-1 to O-2
- 4-6 years: O-3
- 6-8 years: O-4
- 8-12 years: O-5
- 12-16 years: O-6
- 16+ years: O-7 and above
Education and Training
- Basic Training: 10 weeks
- Advanced Individual Training (AIT): 12-20 weeks
- Officer Candidate School (OCS): 12-16 weeks
- Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS): 12-16 weeks
- Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
- Master’s Degree: 2-3 years
Conclusion
As you can see, army soldiers’ salaries vary depending on rank, experience, and job specialty. Basic pay, additional pay, and education and training all play a role in determining how much an army soldier can earn. With opportunities for advancement and development, a career in the United States Army can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Whether you’re considering enlistment or already serving, understanding the pay structure and opportunities for advancement can help you make informed decisions about your military career.
Table: Army Ranks and Pay
| Rank | Pay (per month) |
|---|---|
| Private (E-1) | $1,733.70 |
| Private First Class (E-2) | $1,942.70 |
| Specialist/Corporal (E-4) | $2,342.70 |
| Sergeant (E-5) | $2,642.70 |
| Staff Sergeant (E-6) | $2,942.70 |
| Sergeant First Class (E-7) | $3,442.70 |
| Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) | $3,942.70 |
| Sergeant Major (E-9) | $4,442.70 |
| Second Lieutenant (O-1) | $3,287.80 |
| First Lieutenant (O-2) | $3,734.40 |
| Captain (O-3) | $4,327.50 |
| Major (O-4) | $5,174.50 |
| Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) | $5,764.50 |
| Colonel (O-6) | $6,544.50 |
| Brigadier General (O-7) | $7,434.50 |
| Major General (O-8) | $8,354.50 |
| Lieutenant General (O-9) | $9,284.50 |
| General (O-10) | $10,234.50 |
Note: Figures are subject to change and may not reflect current rates.
