How much do You make a year in the military?

How Much Do You Make a Year in the Military?

Joining the military can be a life-changing decision, offering not only a sense of patriotism and service but also financial stability and benefits. The question on many minds is: how much do you make a year in the military? The answer varies widely depending on factors such as rank, experience, job specialty, and branch of service. In this article, we’ll break down the salary ranges for different military personnel to give you a better understanding of what to expect.

Rank and Salary

The rank of a military personnel has a significant impact on their salary. Here’s a general breakdown of the salary ranges for each rank in the military:

• Enlisted Ranks:

  • E-1 (Private): $18,800 – $24,400 per year
  • E-2 (Private First Class): $20,500 – $27,400 per year
  • E-3 (Private First Class): $22,400 – $30,400 per year
  • E-4 (Corporal): $24,400 – $33,400 per year
  • E-5 (Sergeant): $26,900 – $36,700 per year
  • E-6 (Staff Sergeant): $30,400 – $41,400 per year
  • E-7 (Sergeant First Class): $34,900 – $46,800 per year
  • E-8 (Sergeant Major): $41,400 – $54,400 per year
  • E-9 (Master Sergeant/First Sergeant): $51,400 – $67,400 per year

• Officer Ranks:

  • O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $38,000 – $50,000 per year
  • O-2 (First Lieutenant): $44,000 – $56,000 per year
  • O-3 (Captain): $54,000 – $65,000 per year
  • O-4 (Major): $61,000 – $76,000 per year
  • O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $72,000 – $85,000 per year
  • O-6 (Colonel): $83,000 – $94,000 per year
  • O-7 (Brigadier General): $94,000 – $105,000 per year
  • O-8 (Major General): $105,000 – $116,000 per year
  • O-9 (Lieutenant General): $116,000 – $127,000 per year
  • O-10 (General): $127,000 – $138,000 per year

Job Specialty and Salary

In addition to rank, job specialty also plays a significant role in determining military salaries. Here are some examples of job specialties and their corresponding salary ranges:

• Aviation:

  • Air Traffic Controller: $43,000 – $63,000 per year
  • Pilot: $48,000 – $73,000 per year

• Healthcare:

  • Nurse: $44,000 – $64,000 per year
  • Doctor: $61,000 – $80,000 per year

• Intelligence:

  • Intelligence Officer: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
  • Linguist: $42,000 – $62,000 per year

• Special Forces:

  • Green Beret: $48,000 – $68,000 per year
  • Navy SEAL: $56,000 – $76,000 per year

• Logistics:

  • Supply Sergeant: $34,000 – $54,000 per year
  • Logistics Officer: $45,000 – $65,000 per year

Bonuses and Allowances

In addition to their base salary, military personnel may also receive various bonuses and allowances. Some examples include:

• Enlistment Bonuses: Up to $40,000 for certain specialties and enlistment periods
• Re-enlistment Bonuses: Up to $100,000 for certain specialties and re-enlistment periods
• Hazard Pay: Up to $3,500 per month for personnel serving in combat zones
• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): Up to $2,000 per month for personnel with families
• Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): Up to $300 per month for personnel with families

Conclusion

Military salaries can vary widely depending on rank, job specialty, and branch of service. While the base salary may not be as high as some civilian jobs, the military offers a range of benefits and bonuses that can add up to significant compensation. Additionally, the sense of purpose and camaraderie that comes with serving in the military can be invaluable. Whether you’re considering a career in the military or are simply curious about military salaries, we hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of what to expect.

Table: Military Salary Ranges

Note: The salary ranges listed above are approximate and may vary depending on the branch of service, job specialty, and other factors.