How much did WW2 soldiers get paid?

How Much Did WW2 Soldiers Get Paid?

World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving many countries and millions of soldiers. The pay of these soldiers varied depending on their country, rank, and branch of service. In this article, we will explore the pay of WW2 soldiers and provide a comprehensive answer to the question: How much did WW2 soldiers get paid?

United States Army

The United States Army was one of the largest and most powerful military forces during WW2. The pay of US Army soldiers varied depending on their rank and time in service. Here is a breakdown of the average monthly pay for US Army soldiers:

• Private (E1): $50-$60 per month (approximately $850-$1,000 in today’s dollars)
• Private First Class (E2): $60-$70 per month (approximately $1,000-$1,200 in today’s dollars)
• Corporal (E4): $70-$80 per month (approximately $1,200-$1,400 in today’s dollars)
• Sergeant (E5): $80-$90 per month (approximately $1,400-$1,600 in today’s dollars)
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• Staff Sergeant (E6): $90-$100 per month (approximately $1,600-$1,800 in today’s dollars)
• Sergeant First Class (E7): $100-$110 per month (approximately $1,800-$2,000 in today’s dollars)
• Master Sergeant (E8): $110-$120 per month (approximately $2,000-$2,400 in today’s dollars)
• Sergeant Major (E9): $120-$130 per month (approximately $2,400-$2,800 in today’s dollars)

United States Navy

The United States Navy was another major military force during WW2. The pay of US Navy sailors varied depending on their rank and time in service. Here is a breakdown of the average monthly pay for US Navy sailors:

• Seaman Recruit (E1): $40-$50 per month (approximately $700-$900 in today’s dollars)
• Seaman Apprentice (E2): $50-$60 per month (approximately $900-$1,000 in today’s dollars)
• Seaman (E3): $60-$70 per month (approximately $1,000-$1,200 in today’s dollars)
• Petty Officer Third Class (E4): $70-$80 per month (approximately $1,200-$1,400 in today’s dollars)
• Petty Officer Second Class (E5): $80-$90 per month (approximately $1,400-$1,600 in today’s dollars)
• Petty Officer First Class (E6): $90-$100 per month (approximately $1,600-$1,800 in today’s dollars)
• Chief Petty Officer (E7): $100-$110 per month (approximately $1,800-$2,000 in today’s dollars)
• Senior Chief Petty Officer (E8): $110-$120 per month (approximately $2,000-$2,400 in today’s dollars)
• Master Chief Petty Officer (E9): $120-$130 per month (approximately $2,400-$2,800 in today’s dollars)

United States Air Force

The United States Air Force was established in 1947, but during WW2, the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) was responsible for air operations. The pay of USAAF personnel varied depending on their rank and time in service. Here is a breakdown of the average monthly pay for USAAF personnel:

• Private (E1): $50-$60 per month (approximately $850-$1,000 in today’s dollars)
• Private First Class (E2): $60-$70 per month (approximately $1,000-$1,200 in today’s dollars)
• Corporal (E4): $70-$80 per month (approximately $1,200-$1,400 in today’s dollars)
• Sergeant (E5): $80-$90 per month (approximately $1,400-$1,600 in today’s dollars)
• Staff Sergeant (E6): $90-$100 per month (approximately $1,600-$1,800 in today’s dollars)
• Sergeant First Class (E7): $100-$110 per month (approximately $1,800-$2,000 in today’s dollars)
• Master Sergeant (E8): $110-$120 per month (approximately $2,000-$2,400 in today’s dollars)
• Sergeant Major (E9): $120-$130 per month (approximately $2,400-$2,800 in today’s dollars)

Other Countries

The pay of soldiers in other countries during WW2 varied widely depending on the country and the individual’s rank and time in service. Here are some examples:

• United Kingdom: British soldiers were paid between £3 and £10 per week (approximately $15-$50 in today’s dollars).
• Canada: Canadian soldiers were paid between $25 and $50 per month (approximately $400-$800 in today’s dollars).
• Australia: Australian soldiers were paid between 10 and 30 shillings per week (approximately $20-$60 in today’s dollars).
• Germany: German soldiers were paid between 10 and 50 Reichsmarks per month (approximately $20-$100 in today’s dollars).

Conclusion

The pay of WW2 soldiers varied widely depending on their country, rank, and branch of service. While the pay may seem low compared to today’s standards, it is important to remember that the cost of living was also much lower during WW2. Additionally, many soldiers received additional forms of compensation, such as food and housing allowances, which helped to supplement their pay.

Here is a summary of the average monthly pay for WW2 soldiers in the United States:

It is important to note that these figures are approximate and may vary depending on the individual’s time in service and other factors.