How Much Do Military Members Make a Year?
The pay and compensation for military personnel in the United States varies greatly depending on factors such as rank, years of service, and job specialty. In this article, we will explore the compensation structure of the military, providing a breakdown of what military members can expect to earn each year.
Pay Grades and Ranks
The military has a strict pay grade system, which is based on rank. The higher the rank, the higher the pay grade. Here is a breakdown of the military’s pay grades and corresponding ranks:
- Enlisted:
- Pay Grade E-1 (Private): $1,733.40 – $2,021.60 per month
- Pay Grade E-5 (Sergeant): $2,610.10 – $3,201.60 per month
- Pay Grade E-9 (Master Sergeant): $4,744.50 – $6,234.60 per month
- Officer:
- Pay Grade O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $3,287.30 – $4,433.80 per month
- Pay Grade O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $6,594.90 – $9,311.30 per month
- Pay Grade O-9 (Brigadier General): $13,944.30 – $16,644.30 per month
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
In addition to their base pay, military members receive a housing stipend known as the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). BAH is designed to offset the cost of housing expenses and is calculated based on the member’s rank, marital status, and dependent children.
- 2019 BAH Rates (based on with dependents, 3-bedroom family quarter):
- Enlisted:
- E-1 (Private): $1,454.60 – $2,342.50
- E-5 (Sergeant): $2,114.20 – $3,334.80
- E-9 (Master Sergeant): $3,546.80 – $4,956.80
- Officer:
- O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $1,842.90 – $2,902.90
- O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $2,742.60 – $4,112.60
- O-9 (Brigadier General): $3,914.90 – $5,154.90
- Enlisted:
Food and Subsistence Allowance
Military members also receive a food and subsistence allowance, which varies depending on their rank and job specialty. This allowance helps to offset the cost of meals and groceries.
- 2019 Monthly Subsistence Allowance Rates:
- Enlisted:
- E-1 (Private): $369.14
- E-5 (Sergeant): $444.46
- E-9 (Master Sergeant): $557.64
- Officer:
- O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $444.46
- O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $535.34
- O-9 (Brigadier General): $649.46
- Enlisted:
Special Pay and Allowances
In addition to basic pay, BAH, and subsistence allowance, military members may be eligible for special pay and allowances based on their job specialty, length of service, and other factors.
- Examples of special pay and allowances:
- Hazardous Duty Pay: additional pay for service members assigned to hazardous duty, such as combat zones or submarines.
- Enlistment Bonuses: signing bonuses for new enlistments in critical job specialties, such as linguistics or cryptography.
- Educational Assistance: reimbursement for education expenses, including college tuition and vocational training.
- Surviving Spouse Benefits: compensation for surviving spouses of service members who have died while on active duty or due to service-connected causes.
Annual Compensation Tables
Here are some example annual compensation tables for different ranks and job specialties:
- Enlisted Members:
- Pay Grade E-5 (Sergeant): $31,440 – $38,692 per year
- Pay Grade E-9 (Master Sergeant): $56,872 – $74,744 per year
- Officer Members:
- Pay Grade O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $39,444 – $52,856 per year
- Pay Grade O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $78,984 – $108,984 per year
Conclusion
The annual compensation for military members can vary greatly depending on rank, job specialty, and other factors. While basic pay and housing allowances provide a foundation for financial stability, special pay and allowances can provide additional support for service members and their families. By understanding the compensation structure of the military, service members and their families can better plan for their financial future.
References:
- "Military Pay Charts and Allowances" by Military.com
- "Pay Grades and Ranks" by the U.S. Military Academy
- "Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)" by the U.S. Army
- "Subsistence Allowance" by the U.S. Department of Defense
- "Special Pay and Allowances" by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
