How Much Does a 1st Lieutenant Make in the Army?
The United States Army is one of the largest and most respected military forces in the world, with a long history of protecting the country and its interests. As a result, the Army offers a wide range of career opportunities and competitive salaries to its personnel. In this article, we will explore the salary of a 1st Lieutenant in the Army, including the basic pay, allowances, and bonuses.
Basic Pay
The basic pay for a 1st Lieutenant in the Army is determined by the rank and years of service. According to the Army’s pay chart, a 1st Lieutenant with less than 2 years of service earns a basic pay of $3,287.50 per month. This amount increases to $4,141.50 per month for a 1st Lieutenant with 2-3 years of service, and $4,995.50 per month for a 1st Lieutenant with 4-6 years of service.
Allowances
In addition to basic pay, 1st Lieutenants in the Army also receive various allowances to help offset the costs of living and serving in the military. These allowances include:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): This allowance helps 1st Lieutenants pay for housing expenses, and is based on the location and type of housing. The average BAH for a 1st Lieutenant is around $1,200 per month.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): This allowance helps 1st Lieutenants pay for food and other living expenses, and is set at a flat rate of $369.60 per month.
- Family Separation Allowance (FSA): This allowance is paid to 1st Lieutenants who are separated from their families while serving in the military. The FSA is set at a rate of $250 per month for single soldiers, and $500 per month for married soldiers.
Bonuses
The Army also offers various bonuses to 1st Lieutenants to encourage them to serve in certain roles or specialties. These bonuses can include:
- Enlistment Bonuses: The Army offers enlistment bonuses to new recruits who agree to serve in certain roles or specialties. These bonuses can range from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the role and length of service.
- Re-enlistment Bonuses: The Army also offers re-enlistment bonuses to 1st Lieutenants who agree to extend their service. These bonuses can range from $5,000 to $40,000, depending on the length of service and specialty.
- Special Duty Pay: The Army offers special duty pay to 1st Lieutenants who serve in certain roles or specialties, such as intelligence, language, or medical. This pay can range from $150 to $500 per month, depending on the role and length of service.
Total Compensation
To give you a better idea of the total compensation for a 1st Lieutenant in the Army, here is a breakdown of the average monthly pay and benefits:
| Component | Average Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | $4,141.50 |
| BAH | $1,200 |
| BAS | $369.60 |
| FSA (single) | $250 |
| FSA (married) | $500 |
| Enlistment Bonus | $5,000 (average) |
| Re-enlistment Bonus | $20,000 (average) |
| Special Duty Pay | $300 (average) |
| Total Compensation | $14,411.10 (single) or $15,961.10 (married) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the salary for a 1st Lieutenant in the Army is determined by a combination of basic pay, allowances, and bonuses. While the basic pay for a 1st Lieutenant is relatively low, the total compensation package is competitive and can provide a comfortable lifestyle for those who serve. With a range of allowances and bonuses available, 1st Lieutenants in the Army can earn a total compensation package of over $14,000 per month, making it an attractive career option for those who are passionate about serving their country.
