How Much Do Military Doctors Make?
The military has a dedicated group of healthcare professionals, including doctors, who dedicate their careers to serving and protecting the nation. If you’re a medical student or a licensed physician wondering about the salary and compensation of military doctors, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of how much military doctors make, comparing their salaries to those of their civilian counterparts.
What Do Military Doctors Earn?
Active Duty Physicians
According to the Defense Health Agency (DHA), active duty military physicians, also known as Medical Corps officers, fall under the Department of the Navy, Department of the Air Force, or the Department of the Army.
Here are the average monthly salaries for active duty military physicians:
- Lt. (O-3): $6,924 – $8,141 per month
- Capt. (O-3): $8,141 – $9,557 per month
- Major (O-4): $9,557 – $11,173 per month
- Lieutenant Colonel (O-5): $11,173 – $12,839 per month
Reserve Physicians
Reserve military physicians also earn a monthly salary. Keep in mind that this is in addition to your civilian salary or practice, if you choose to work part-time or have a medical practice.
- Major (O-4): $3,150 – $4,700 per month
- Lieutenant Colonel (O-5): $4,700 – $6,000 per month
- Colonel (O-6): $6,000 – $7,500 per month
Retirees and Separated Officers
Retired military doctors or those who have left the military receive a reduced monthly pension. The percentage of the monthly pension payment varies based on the doctor’s years of service. Here’s an example of a retired Colonel’s monthly pension:
- 20+ years of service: $3,600 – $5,500 per month
- 30+ years of service: $4,800 – $6,500 per month
- 40+ years of service: $5,600 – $8,000 per month
Bonuses and Additional Pay
In addition to their base salary, military doctors can receive various bonuses and additional pay. For instance:
- Special Duty Pay (SDP): $25,000 – $50,000 per year
- Bonus Pay: $6,000 – $18,000 per year (depending on specialty and critical shortage areas)
- Relocation Bonus: Up to $25,000 for relocating to areas with a critical shortage of medical professionals
Bonuses for High-Demand Specialties
The military offers additional incentives for certain high-demand specialties, such as:
- Primary Care: $50,000 – $75,000 per year
- Specialty Care: $75,000 – $100,000 per year
- Critical Shortage Areas: $75,000 – $120,000 per year (e.g., psychiatry, orthopedic surgery)
Education and Relocation Assistance
The military provides education assistance, tuition reimbursement, and relocation bonuses to help you and your family adjust to new stations. For example:
- Education Assistance: Tuition reimbursement for medical schools and continuing education
- Relocation Assistance: Up to $25,000 for moving expenses (relocation package)
Civilian Equivalency
To compare military physicians’ salaries to those in the civilian sector, let’s consider the average salary for primary care physicians:
- Private Practice Physicians: $250,000 – $300,000 per year
- Hospitals and Clinical Settings: $200,000 – $250,000 per year
- Research and Academia: $150,000 – $200,000 per year
As you can see, military physicians receive competitive salaries and benefits that compare favorably to their civilian counterparts.
The Military Doctor Salary Breakdown
Here’s a summarized table of military doctor salaries:
| Rank | Pay Grade | Active Duty (per month) | Reserve (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lt. | O-3 | $6,924 – $8,141 | N/A |
| Capt. | O-3 | $8,141 – $9,557 | N/A |
| Major | O-4 | $9,557 – $11,173 | $3,150 – $4,700 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | O-5 | $11,173 – $12,839 | $4,700 – $6,000 |
| Colonel | O-6 | N/A | $6,000 – $7,500 |
Conclusion
Becoming a military doctor requires dedication, hard work, and a strong desire to serve the nation. In return, you’ll enjoy a competitive salary, educational assistance, and relocation incentives. While military salaries might not match those of civilian doctors in high-demand private practices, they offer an unparalleled sense of fulfillment, camaraderie, and professional growth opportunities.
