How Much Do Marines Make?
The United States Marine Corps is one of the most prestigious and respected branches of the US military, known for its bravery, discipline, and camaraderie. But how much do Marines make? In this article, we’ll explore the salaries and benefits of Marines, from the lowest ranking Enlisted Member to the highest ranking Officer.
Entry-Level Salaries
The starting salary for Marines depends on the rank and branch. Here are the basic pay rates for Enlisted Members and Officers:
- Enlisted Members:
- E-1 (Private): $1,733.10 – $1,733.10 per month
- E-2 (Private First Class): $1,944.10 – $1,944.10 per month
- E-3 (Lance Corporal): $2,043.10 – $2,043.10 per month
- E-4 (Corporal): $2,132.10 – $2,132.10 per month
- Officer Candidates:
- 2nd Lieutenant (O-1): $3,287.80 – $3,287.80 per month
- 1st Lieutenant (O-2): $3,731.50 – $3,731.50 per month
Promotion and Salary Increases
As Marines gain experience and seniority, their salaries increase. Here are the pay rates for Marines at each rank:
- Enlisted Members:
- E-5 (Staff Sergeant): $2,342.10 – $2,342.10 per month
- E-6 (Gunnery Sergeant): $2,542.10 – $2,542.10 per month
- E-7 (Master Sergeant): $2,742.10 – $2,742.10 per month
- E-8 (First Sergeant): $3,242.10 – $3,242.10 per month
- Officer:
- Captain (O-3): $4,337.20 – $4,337.20 per month
- Major (O-4): $4,837.20 – $4,837.20 per month
- Lieutenant Colonel (O-5): $5,337.20 – $5,337.20 per month
Benefits and Bonuses
Marines receive a range of benefits and bonuses in addition to their salary:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): A monthly stipend to help cover the cost of housing.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): A monthly stipend to help cover the cost of food.
- Bonuses: Special bonuses for things like enlistment bonuses, re-enlistment bonuses, and bonuses for serving in certain roles or locations.
- Education Benefits: The Marine Corps offers a range of education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Health Insurance: Marines and their families receive health insurance through the Tricare program.
- Vacation Time: Marines receive 30 days of vacation time per year.
Table: Marine Corps Salary Comparison
Here is a comparison of Marine Corps salaries to those of other branches of the military:
| Rank | Marine Corps | Army | Navy | Air Force |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,733.10 – $1,733.10 | $1,733.10 – $1,733.10 | $1,733.10 – $1,733.10 | $1,733.10 – $1,733.10 |
| O-1 | $3,287.80 – $3,287.80 | $3,287.80 – $3,287.80 | $3,287.80 – $3,287.80 | $3,287.80 – $3,287.80 |
| E-5 | $2,342.10 – $2,342.10 | $2,342.10 – $2,342.10 | $2,342.10 – $2,342.10 | $2,342.10 – $2,342.10 |
| O-3 | $4,337.20 – $4,337.20 | $4,337.20 – $4,337.20 | $4,337.20 – $4,337.20 | $4,337.20 – $4,337.20 |
Conclusion
As you can see, the salary of a Marine depends on their rank and branch. Enlisted Members and Officers both receive a range of benefits and bonuses in addition to their salary. While the salary of a Marine may not be the highest compared to other branches of the military, the benefits and bonuses make it a highly attractive career choice for many individuals. Whether you’re an Enlisted Member or an Officer, the Marine Corps offers a rewarding and challenging career with a range of opportunities for advancement and personal growth.
