How Much Do You Make in the National Guard?
The National Guard is a reserve military force that consists of both full-time and part-time soldiers. Members of the National Guard are typically called to active duty in times of war or national emergency, but they also perform homeland security and community support functions in their local communities. If you’re considering joining the National Guard, you may be wondering how much you can earn as a member.
Pay Grades and Enlistment Bonuses
The National Guard offers various pay grades and enlistment bonuses to attract and retain qualified soldiers. Here are some of the pay grades and enlistment bonuses available:
- Enlisted Pay Grades:
- E-1 (Private): $1,733.70 – $2,104.40 per month
- E-2 (Private First Class): $1,974.80 – $2,439.40 per month
- E-3 (Private First Class): $2,146.80 – $2,844.40 per month
- E-4 (Corporal): $2,384.80 – $3,284.40 per month
- E-5 (Sergeant): $2,624.80 – $3,764.40 per month
- E-6 (Staff Sergeant): $2,924.80 – $4,144.40 per month
- E-7 (Sergeant First Class): $3,324.80 – $4,644.40 per month
- E-8 (Master Sergeant): $3,744.80 – $5,164.40 per month
- E-9 (Sergeant Major): $4,224.80 – $5,704.40 per month
- Officer Pay Grades:
- O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $3,287.70 – $4,437.70 per month
- O-2 (First Lieutenant): $3,847.70 – $5,037.70 per month
- O-3 (Captain): $4,347.70 – $5,737.70 per month
- O-4 (Major): $5,047.70 – $6,437.70 per month
- O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $5,747.70 – $7,037.70 per month
- O-6 (Colonel): $6,347.70 – $7,647.70 per month
- O-7 (Brigadier General): $7,147.70 – $8,547.70 per month
- O-8 (Major General): $8,147.70 – $9,547.70 per month
- O-9 (Lieutenant General): $9,147.70 – $10,547.70 per month
- O-10 (General): $10,147.70 – $11,547.70 per month
- Enlistment Bonuses:
- $10,000 to $20,000 for enlisting in certain Military Occupational Specialties (MOS)
- $5,000 to $10,000 for re-enlisting for a second term
- $10,000 to $20,000 for re-enlisting for a third term
Deployment Pay and Hazards Pay
In addition to basic pay, National Guard soldiers may also receive deployment pay and hazards pay. Deployment pay is an additional payment made to soldiers who are deployed to a combat zone or other high-risk areas. Hazards pay is an additional payment made to soldiers who are exposed to hazardous conditions while on duty.
- Deployment Pay:
- $250 to $500 per month for soldiers deployed to a combat zone
- $150 to $300 per month for soldiers deployed to a non-combat zone
- Hazards Pay:
- $150 to $300 per month for soldiers exposed to hazardous conditions
Special Pays and Allowances
National Guard soldiers may also be eligible for special pays and allowances, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of housing
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of food
- Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP): an additional payment made to soldiers who perform certain special duties, such as recruiting or training
- Hardship Duty Pay: an additional payment made to soldiers who are stationed in areas with high cost of living or difficult living conditions
- Family Separation Allowance (FSA): a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of living expenses while a soldier is deployed or stationed away from their family
Education Benefits
The National Guard offers education benefits to help soldiers pursue their education and career goals. These benefits include:
- Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB): a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of education
- Post-9/11 GI Bill: a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of education
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): a program that provides up to 100% tuition coverage for college courses
- Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): a program that provides up to $65,000 in student loan repayment benefits
Retirement Benefits
National Guard soldiers who serve for at least 20 years are eligible for retirement benefits, including:
- Retirement Pay: a monthly stipend based on their final pay grade and years of service
- Retirement Health Benefits: access to the military’s healthcare system, including TRICARE and the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system
- Retirement Housing Allowance (RHA): a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of housing
- Retirement Annuity: a one-time payment made to retired soldiers to help offset the cost of living expenses
Conclusion
The National Guard offers a range of pay grades and enlistment bonuses to attract and retain qualified soldiers. In addition to basic pay, soldiers may also receive deployment pay and hazards pay, special pays and allowances, education benefits, and retirement benefits. By joining the National Guard, you can earn a competitive salary, pursue your education and career goals, and serve your country in a unique and rewarding way.
Table: National Guard Pay Grades and Enlistment Bonuses
| Pay Grade | Monthly Pay |
|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,733.70 – $2,104.40 |
| E-2 | $1,974.80 – $2,439.40 |
| E-3 | $2,146.80 – $2,844.40 |
| E-4 | $2,384.80 – $3,284.40 |
| E-5 | $2,624.80 – $3,764.40 |
| E-6 | $2,924.80 – $4,144.40 |
| E-7 | $3,324.80 – $4,644.40 |
| E-8 | $3,744.80 – $5,164.40 |
| E-9 | $4,224.80 – $5,704.40 |
| O-1 | $3,287.70 – $4,437.70 |
| O-2 | $3,847.70 – $5,037.70 |
| O-3 | $4,347.70 – $5,737.70 |
| O-4 | $5,047.70 – $6,437.70 |
| O-5 | $5,747.70 – $7,037.70 |
| O-6 | $6,347.70 – $7,647.70 |
| O-7 | $7,147.70 – $8,547.70 |
| O-8 | $8,147.70 – $9,547.70 |
| O-9 | $9,147.70 – $10,547.70 |
| O-10 | $10,147.70 – $11,547.70 |
Table: Enlistment Bonuses
| Bonus | Amount |
|---|---|
| Enlistment Bonus | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Re-enlistment Bonus | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Third Term Re-enlistment Bonus | $10,000 to $20,000 |
Note: The above tables are subject to change and may not reflect the current pay grades and enlistment bonuses.
