How Much Do Military Soldiers Make?
The United States military offers a range of compensation packages to its service members, including a monthly salary, benefits, and other forms of remuneration. The amount of money a military soldier makes varies depending on their rank, years of service, and job specialty. In this article, we will provide an overview of the different pay scales and benefits offered by the military.
Basic Pay
The first and most obvious aspect of a military soldier’s compensation is their basic pay. This is the monthly salary that service members receive, and it is based on their rank and years of service. Here is a breakdown of the basic pay scales for each rank in the military:
| Rank | Basic Pay (2022) |
|---|---|
| Enlisted (E-1) | $1,680.60 – $2,110.40 per month |
| Enlisted (E-2) | $1,862.50 – $2,434.50 per month |
| Enlisted (E-3) | $2,103.90 – $2,754.10 per month |
| Enlisted (E-4) | $2,404.40 – $3,124.40 per month |
| Enlisted (E-5) | $2,744.40 – $3,524.40 per month |
| Enlisted (E-6) | $3,112.40 – $3,932.40 per month |
| Enlisted (E-7) | $3,404.40 – $4,332.40 per month |
| Enlisted (E-8) | $3,946.40 – $4,756.40 per month |
| Enlisted (E-9) | $4,432.40 – $5,056.40 per month |
| Officer (O-1) | $3,287.50 – $4,227.50 per month |
| Officer (O-2) | $3,854.10 – $4,874.10 per month |
| Officer (O-3) | $4,354.10 – $5,414.10 per month |
| Officer (O-4) | $5,042.10 – $6,182.10 per month |
| Officer (O-5) | $5,734.10 – $6,934.10 per month |
| Officer (O-6) | $6,426.10 – $7,666.10 per month |
| Officer (O-7) | $7,018.10 – $8,198.10 per month |
| Officer (O-8) | $7,610.10 – $8,730.10 per month |
| Officer (O-9) | $8,202.10 – $9,262.10 per month |
| Officer (O-10) | $8,794.10 – $9,794.10 per month |
As you can see, the basic pay scales vary significantly depending on the rank and years of service. The highest-paid officer in the military is the O-10, while the lowest-paid is the E-1.
Allowances and Bonuses
In addition to their basic pay, military service members may also receive allowances and bonuses. These include:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): This is a monthly stipend paid to service members to help them cover the cost of housing.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): This is a monthly stipend paid to service members to help them cover the cost of food.
- Special Duty Pay: This is a special type of pay that is awarded to service members for performing specific duties, such as serving in a remote or hazardous location.
- Bonuses: These are one-time payments awarded to service members for things like enlisting in the military, re-enlisting, or completing specialized training.
- Sign-on Bonuses: These are special bonuses awarded to service members who enlist in the military in certain jobs or specialties.
- Education Benefits: These are benefits that are available to service members who are pursuing higher education, such as the GI Bill.
Benefits
In addition to their pay and allowances, military service members also receive a range of benefits, including:
- Healthcare: Military service members and their families have access to comprehensive healthcare benefits through the military’s healthcare system.
- Retirement Benefits: Military service members are eligible for a military pension after 20 years of service.
- Life Insurance: Military service members are eligible for free life insurance coverage, known as Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI).
- Education Benefits: Military service members and their families are eligible for education benefits, such as the GI Bill.
- Home Loans: Military service members may be eligible for special home loan programs, such as the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program.
- Moving Allowances: Military service members may be eligible for moving allowances, which help cover the cost of relocating to a new duty station.
Conclusion
As you can see, the amount of money a military soldier makes varies depending on their rank, years of service, and job specialty. While basic pay is the foundation of a military service member’s compensation package, allowances, bonuses, and benefits play a significant role in helping them meet their financial needs. Whether you’re a new recruit or a seasoned veteran, understanding the military’s compensation package can help you make informed decisions about your career and financial planning.
