How Much Do You Earn in the National Guard?
The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces, consisting of citizen-soldiers who can be called upon to support the active duty military during times of war or national emergency. Serving in the National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging experience, with opportunities for personal growth, education, and career advancement. But one of the most important questions on the minds of potential recruits is: how much do you earn in the National Guard?
Basic Pay
The National Guard offers a competitive salary to its members, with basic pay ranging from $1,733 to $3,746 per month, depending on the member’s rank and years of service. Here is a breakdown of the basic pay rates for National Guard members:
| Rank | Basic Pay (per month) |
|---|---|
| Private (E-1) | $1,733 |
| Private First Class (E-2) | $1,854 |
| Specialist/Corporal (E-4) | $2,054 |
| Sergeant (E-5) | $2,262 |
| Staff Sergeant (E-6) | $2,534 |
| Sergeant First Class (E-7) | $2,844 |
| Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) | $3,245 |
| Senior Master Sergeant/Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) | $3,746 |
Special Pays
In addition to basic pay, National Guard members may also be eligible for special pays, which are additional forms of compensation for specific duties or responsibilities. Some examples of special pays include:
- Combat Pay: $150-$300 per month for National Guard members who are deployed to combat zones
- Hazardous Duty Pay: $150-$300 per month for National Guard members who perform hazardous duties, such as serving in a combat zone or participating in a hazardous training exercise
- Jump Pay: $150-$300 per month for National Guard members who are parachute qualified
- Flight Pay: $150-$300 per month for National Guard members who are pilots or flight crew members
- Subsistence Allowance: $100-$300 per month for National Guard members who are required to maintain a certain level of physical fitness or who are participating in training exercises
Bonuses and Incentives
The National Guard also offers bonuses and incentives to its members, which can be used to attract and retain talent. Some examples of bonuses and incentives include:
- Enlistment Bonuses: $5,000 to $20,000 for new recruits who enlist for a certain number of years
- Re-enlistment Bonuses: $5,000 to $20,000 for existing National Guard members who re-enlist for an additional term
- Education Benefits: National Guard members are eligible for education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Army National Guard Education Assistance Program
- Student Loan Repayment: National Guard members may be eligible for student loan repayment programs, which can help to reduce the amount of debt owed by the member
Taxes and Benefits
It’s important to note that National Guard pay is subject to federal and state income taxes, just like any other form of income. However, National Guard members may also be eligible for certain tax benefits, such as the Military Tax Relief Act, which provides relief from certain taxes and penalties for military personnel.
National Guard members are also eligible for a range of benefits, including:
- Health Insurance: National Guard members are eligible for TRICARE, a comprehensive health insurance program for military personnel and their families
- Life Insurance: National Guard members are eligible for life insurance coverage, including the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program
- Retirement Benefits: National Guard members are eligible for retirement benefits, including the Thrift Savings Plan and the National Guard Retirement System
- Education Benefits: National Guard members are eligible for education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Army National Guard Education Assistance Program
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Guard members can earn a competitive salary, with basic pay ranging from $1,733 to $3,746 per month, depending on rank and years of service. Additionally, National Guard members may be eligible for special pays, bonuses, and incentives, which can help to increase their overall compensation. While National Guard pay is subject to federal and state income taxes, National Guard members may also be eligible for certain tax benefits and a range of benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, retirement benefits, and education benefits. If you’re considering serving in the National Guard, be sure to research the compensation and benefits package to help you make an informed decision.
Table: National Guard Pay and Benefits
| Rank | Basic Pay (per month) | Special Pays | Bonuses and Incentives | Taxes and Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private (E-1) | $1,733 | – | – | Federal and state income taxes |
| Private First Class (E-2) | $1,854 | – | – | Federal and state income taxes |
| Specialist/Corporal (E-4) | $2,054 | – | – | Federal and state income taxes |
| Sergeant (E-5) | $2,262 | – | – | Federal and state income taxes |
| Staff Sergeant (E-6) | $2,534 | – | – | Federal and state income taxes |
| Sergeant First Class (E-7) | $2,844 | – | – | Federal and state income taxes |
| Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) | $3,245 | – | – | Federal and state income taxes |
| Senior Master Sergeant/Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) | $3,746 | – | – | Federal and state income taxes |
Note: This table is a general summary of National Guard pay and benefits and may not reflect the specific pay and benefits of individual National Guard members.
