How Much Do I Get Paid in the National Guard?
Serving in the National Guard can be a rewarding experience, offering a unique combination of military training, civilian job skills, and the opportunity to serve your community. One of the most common questions potential recruits have is about pay. In this article, we’ll break down the compensation packages offered by the National Guard and provide a direct answer to the question: how much do I get paid in the National Guard?
Basic Pay
Enlisted Personnel
| Rank | Monthly Basic Pay (2022) |
|---|---|
| Private (E-1) | $1,733.50 |
| Private First Class (E-2) | $1,923.40 |
| Specialist/Corporal (E-4) | $2,353.20 |
| Sergeant (E-5) | $2,649.10 |
| Staff Sergeant (E-6) | $2,949.90 |
| Sergeant First Class (E-7) | $3,550.20 |
| Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) | $4,134.10 |
| Sergeant Major (E-9) | $4,537.20 |
Officers
| Rank | Monthly Basic Pay (2022) |
|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant (O-1) | $3,287.50 |
| First Lieutenant (O-2) | $3,714.30 |
| Captain (O-3) | $4,272.90 |
| Major (O-4) | $4,847.10 |
| Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) | $5,462.40 |
| Colonel (O-6) | $6,057.10 |
| Brigadier General (O-7) | $7,032.50 |
| Major General (O-8) | $8,035.50 |
| Lieutenant General (O-9) | $9,047.50 |
| General (O-10) | $10,077.50 |
How Your Pay is Calculated
Your basic pay is calculated based on your rank, years of service, and the number of months you’ve been in active duty. As you move up the ranks, your basic pay increases. Promotions and raises are based on your performance, and the number of years you’ve served.
Allowances
In addition to your basic pay, you’ll receive various allowances to cover living expenses, food, and other necessities. Some of the most common allowances include:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): covers rent or mortgage payments
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): covers food expenses
- Family Separation Allowance (FSA): for service members with family obligations
- Hardship Duty Pay: for service members serving in areas with high operational tempo
Other Forms of Compensation
- Bonuses: One-time payments for enlistment, re-enlistment, or specialty skills
- Student Loan Repayment: programs that help service members pay off student loans
- Tuition Assistance: education benefits for service members
- Health Insurance: comprehensive health insurance coverage for service members and their families
How Much Can You Expect to Earn in the National Guard?
As a National Guard member, your total compensation package will depend on your rank, years of service, and the number of drills and training exercises you participate in. Here are some rough estimates of what you can expect to earn:
- Enlisted Personnel:
- Basic pay: $1,500 – $3,500 per month
- Allowances: $500 – $1,500 per month
- Total: $2,000 – $5,000 per month
- Officers:
- Basic pay: $2,500 – $5,000 per month
- Allowances: $1,000 – $2,000 per month
- Total: $3,500 – $7,000 per month
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and your actual pay will depend on a variety of factors, including your rank, years of service, and the specific needs of your unit.
Conclusion
Serving in the National Guard offers a unique combination of military training, civilian job skills, and the opportunity to serve your community. While your pay may not be as high as that of active duty military personnel, it’s still a competitive package that can help you build a stable financial future. With a combination of basic pay, allowances, bonuses, and other forms of compensation, you can expect to earn a decent income while serving in the National Guard.
