How Much Do Israeli Soldiers Get Paid? A Comprehensive Guide
Israel prides itself on its advanced military, known as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which is revered for its bravery, honor, and commitment to service. The IDF is well-equipped and well-trained to protect the State of Israel from external threats. Service in the IDF is mandatory for Israeli citizens, with soldiers serving for a minimum period of 28 months as conscripts and up to 36 months for professionals. But what do soldiers get paid for their duties?
Basic Salary (Base Pay)
Honorably discharged soldiers within the IDF receive a military pension, which is set at approximately 23,000 NIS ($6,500 US) per month by the age of 77. However, active-service soldiers receive a monthly basic salary that amounts to around 80,000 NIS ($22,000$) per month** regardless of rank or position.
| hierarchy | **Basic Annual Salary (NIS | ** | **Basic Month Salary (NIS ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private | 48,000 | 4,000 | |
| Private First-class | 55,000 | 4,583 | |
| Officer Cadet | 120,000 | 10,000 | |
| Officer – 2nd Lieutenant | 150,000 | 12,500 | |
| Officer – 1st Lieutenant | 180,000 | 15,000 | |
| Other Officer Ranks | variable | variable |
Food and Accommodation Allowances
In addition to base pay, soldiers receive expenses for food and accommodation paid by the IDF. Some of these expenses include:
| hierarchy | **Food Budget (NIS) | Accommodation Allowance NIS) |
|---|---|---|
| Private & Private First-class | 40-50 | 5 |
| Officer Cadet | ||
| Officer – 2nd Lieutenant | 80 | -10 |
| Officer – 1st Lieutenant | -15 | |
| Other Officer Ranks | variablevariable |
Special Allowance
Some soldiers may benefit from special allowances based on their role, position or circumstances. These allowances contribute to the overall compensation plan:
| Allowance-Type | Description | AmountNIS) |
|---|---|---|
| Battalion Commander & Company Commander Officers | Leadership and supervision | 5,000 |
**Special Allowances |
| Allowance-Type | Description | AmountNIS) |
|---|---|---|
| Tough Duty | Special units, such as Special Response Unit (YAM) or Intelligence Corps | up to 10, 000 |
| Border Command | Soldiers conducting border patrol duties | 300-500 |
| Undercover Operations | Operating undercover | 1,200-2,000monthly |
Taxes (Income Tax)
An important aspect to consider are taxes. As an actively serving soldier, income generated from military service is excluded from income tax. Discharged soldiers receive a comprehensive pension package, which benefits from tax relief. Married soldiers may be eligible to claim a family supplementary allowance, which provides between NIS 420-1,440 (${120-$400 USD ) per month**.
Comparing Israeli Military Salaries
Comparing Israeli army salaries to those of different countries is difficult due to varying factors such as salary structures, tax systems and living costs. However:
|Country|Basic Daily Salary (USD)
United States|${15-$20}
German Federal Armed Forces| `${12-$15}
Turkish Armed Forces| $${8-$12]
Russian Armed Forces| "${5-$8}
Important to note that these compare to the average basic hourly wage in the United States, which is around "${15-$20}. Salary structures vary significantly across countries according to rank, position or circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Israeli army salaries are relatively high despite the country’s relatively strict budget. The Israeli taxpayer contributes to the overall spending on the military, which demonstrates the importance placed on state security. With the provision of basic salary, food and accommodation allowances and special allowances, Israeli soldier compensation is substantial. After considering taxes and special advantages, the total compensation could be even more attractive for those who serve Israeli military.
