How Much Does a US Army Soldier Make?
The United States Army is one of the largest and most respected military forces in the world, with over 475,000 active-duty soldiers serving the country. One of the most common questions asked about joining the US Army is "How much does a US Army soldier make?" In this article, we’ll break down the answer to this question, including the different pay scales, allowances, and benefits that soldiers receive.
Basic Pay
The basic pay for a US Army soldier is determined by their rank and years of service. Here is a breakdown of the basic pay rates for enlisted soldiers and officers:
| Rank | Years of Service | Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Private (E-1) | 0-3 years | $1,733.70-$1,733.70 |
| Private First Class (E-2) | 3-6 years | $1,923.30-$1,923.30 |
| Specialist/Corporal (E-4) | 6-10 years | $2,194.40-$2,194.40 |
| Sergeant (E-5) | 10-14 years | $2,554.40-$2,554.40 |
| Staff Sergeant (E-6) | 14-18 years | $2,934.60-$2,934.60 |
| Sergeant First Class (E-7) | 18-22 years | $3,454.40-$3,454.40 |
| Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) | 22+ years | $4,207.40-$4,207.40 |
| Warrant Officer (W-1) | 0-3 years | $3,345.30-$3,345.30 |
| Warrant Officer (W-2) | 3-6 years | $3,955.50-$3,955.50 |
| Warrant Officer (W-3) | 6-10 years | $4,565.70-$4,565.70 |
| Captain (O-3) | 0-3 years | $4,755.30-$4,755.30 |
| Major (O-4) | 3-6 years | $5,455.40-$5,455.40 |
| Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) | 6-10 years | $6,354.50-$6,354.50 |
| Colonel (O-6) | 10+ years | $7,353.60-$7,353.60 |
Allowances
In addition to basic pay, US Army soldiers also receive various allowances to help them with living expenses, transportation, and other costs. These allowances include:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): A monthly allowance to help soldiers pay for housing and utilities.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): A monthly allowance to help soldiers pay for food and other living expenses.
- Basic Allowance for Clothing (BAC): A monthly allowance to help soldiers pay for uniforms and other clothing.
- Family Separation Allowance (FSA): A monthly allowance to help soldiers with families who are separated from them due to military duty.
- Combat Allowance: A monthly allowance to help soldiers with hazardous duty pay.
Bonuses and Incentives
The US Army also offers various bonuses and incentives to attract and retain soldiers. These include:
- Enlistment Bonuses: One-time bonuses for enlisting in the Army for a specific amount of time.
- Re-enlistment Bonuses: One-time bonuses for re-enlisting in the Army for a specific amount of time.
- Special Duty Pay: Additional pay for soldiers serving in special duty positions, such as linguists or intelligence analysts.
- Special Pay: Additional pay for soldiers serving in special situations, such as deployment or combat.
Total Compensation
When calculating a US Army soldier’s total compensation, it’s important to consider not just their basic pay and allowances, but also their bonuses and incentives. Here is a breakdown of the total compensation for a US Army soldier with 10 years of service:
| Rank | Total Compensation |
|---|---|
| Specialist/Corporal (E-4) | $43,400 |
| Sergeant (E-5) | $52,400 |
| Staff Sergeant (E-6) | $61,400 |
| Sergeant First Class (E-7) | $73,400 |
| Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) | $83,400 |
| Warrant Officer (W-1) | $54,400 |
| Warrant Officer (W-2) | $65,400 |
| Warrant Officer (W-3) | $76,400 |
| Captain (O-3) | $76,400 |
| Major (O-4) | $86,400 |
| Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) | $96,400 |
| Colonel (O-6) | $107,400 |
Conclusion
As you can see, the total compensation for a US Army soldier can vary greatly depending on their rank, years of service, and other factors. In addition to their basic pay and allowances, soldiers can also receive bonuses and incentives to help them with living expenses and other costs. By considering all of these factors, you can get a better understanding of how much a US Army soldier makes.
