How Much Do Military Reserves Make?
The military reserves are a vital component of the United States Armed Forces, providing a trained and ready force to support active duty military operations. As a reserve member, you can serve your country while also maintaining a civilian career. But one of the most common questions potential reserve members ask is: how much do military reserves make?
Direct Answer:
The amount of money a military reserve member can earn varies widely depending on their rank, time in service, and job specialty. Here are some general pay ranges for military reserve members:
- Enlisted Reservists:
- E-1 (Private): $1,733.50 – $2,041.50 per month
- E-2 (Private First Class): $1,934.50 – $2,243.50 per month
- E-3 (Specialist/Corporal): $2,055.50 – $2,463.50 per month
- E-4 (Sergeant): $2,243.50 – $2,753.50 per month
- E-5 (Staff Sergeant): $2,463.50 – $3,043.50 per month
- Officer Reservists:
- O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $2,493.50 – $3,243.50 per month
- O-2 (First Lieutenant): $2,933.50 – $3,643.50 per month
- O-3 (Captain): $3,463.50 – $4,243.50 per month
- O-4 (Major): $4,243.50 – $5,143.50 per month
Additional Pay and Allowances:
In addition to their base pay, military reserve members can also earn additional pay and allowances, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of housing
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of food
- Special Duty Pay: extra pay for serving in a specialized role, such as a pilot or medic
- Hazardous Duty Pay: extra pay for serving in a hazardous duty environment, such as a combat zone
- Education Benefits: educational assistance programs, such as the Montgomery GI Bill
- Student Loan Repayment: programs to help pay off student loans
- Bonuses: one-time payments for completing certain training or serving in a specific role
Reserve Pay Schedules:
Here is a breakdown of the reserve pay schedules for enlisted and officer personnel:
| Rank | Monthly Pay (Basic Pay) | Annual Pay (Basic Pay) |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,733.50 – $2,041.50 | $20,802.00 – $24,513.00 |
| E-2 | $1,934.50 – $2,243.50 | $23,214.00 – $26,923.00 |
| E-3 | $2,055.50 – $2,463.50 | $24,668.00 – $29,556.00 |
| E-4 | $2,243.50 – $2,753.50 | $26,922.00 – $33,041.00 |
| E-5 | $2,463.50 – $3,043.50 | $29,558.00 – $36,518.00 |
| O-1 | $2,493.50 – $3,243.50 | $29,820.00 – $38,916.00 |
| O-2 | $2,933.50 – $3,643.50 | $35,202.00 – $43,716.00 |
| O-3 | $3,463.50 – $4,243.50 | $41,572.00 – $50,916.00 |
| O-4 | $4,243.50 – $5,143.50 | $50,922.00 – $61,716.00 |
Reserve Retirement Benefits:
As a military reserve member, you are eligible for retirement benefits, including:
- Reserve Retirement Pay: a monthly pension based on your years of service and rank
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): a retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions
- Reserve Component Survivor Benefits (RCSB): a survivor benefit program for spouses and dependents
Conclusion:
The amount of money a military reserve member can earn varies widely depending on their rank, time in service, and job specialty. In addition to their base pay, military reserve members can also earn additional pay and allowances, including education benefits, student loan repayment, and bonuses. As a reserve member, you are also eligible for retirement benefits, including reserve retirement pay and the Thrift Savings Plan. If you’re considering a career in the military reserves, it’s essential to understand the pay and benefits you can expect.
