How Much Does a 2nd Lieutenant Make in the Marines?
The United States Marine Corps is one of the most prestigious and respected military forces in the world. One of the key positions within the Marines is that of a 2nd lieutenant, who is a commissioned officer and the most junior level of officer in the Marine Corps. In this article, we will explore what a 2nd lieutenant makes in the Marines.
Salary
The pay for a 2nd lieutenant in the Marines varies depending on the individual’s years of service, branch of service, military occupation, location, and experience. According to the Department of Defense’s latest pay scale, a 2nd Lieutenant (Second Lieutenant) in the US Marine Corps with no prior experience and no graduate degree makes a minimum base salary of $48,500 per year, with the possibility of annual increases. Here are the 2022 rates for 2nd lieutenants in the US Marine Corps:
| Years of Service | Enlisted (E-0 to E-9) | Warrant Officer | Commissioned Officer |
|---|---|---|---|
| **0-3 years of service** | $21,888.60/month | $3,964.70/month | **$3,946.80/month** (<$47,758/year) |
| **1-3 years of service** | $23,174.90/month | $4,154.10/month | **$4,113.10/month** (<$49,360/year) |
| **4-8 years of service** | $25,161.10/month | $4,446.40/month | **$4,436.20/month** (<$53,335/year) |
Bonuses and Incentives
In addition to their regular salary, 2nd lieutenants in the Marines can also receive a variety of bonuses and incentives. For example, the Marine Corps offers Enlisted Service Incentive (ESI) bonuses up to $20,000 for certain enlisted officers, including 2nd lieutenants. Officers may also be eligible for Significant Non-Prior Service (SAPS) bonuses, which are one-time payments made to individuals who join the Marine Corps with no prior military experience.
2nd lieutenants who commit to serving additional time in the military may also be eligible for recruitment bonuses or reenlistment bonuses, which can pay out tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, many units and commands in the Marine Corps offer supplemental pay and incentives, including flying pay for pilots and aircrew, hazardous duty pay, and other forms of special duty pay.
Post-9/11 Educational Benefits
2nd lieutenants in the Marine Corps who have served 90 consecutive days of active duty since 9/11 are also eligible for Post-9/11 Educational Benefits, which can help to cover the cost of higher education. Through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, 2nd lieutenants may receive up to $20,000 per year towards tuition and a stipend for book and living expenses. Additionally, the Marine Corps offers its own education benefit program, which provides for $3,700 per month towards housing, food, and expenses while attending school.
Health and Wellness Benefits
2nd lieutenants in the Marine Corps and their families are also covered by Tricare, the military’s health care program. Tricare provides comprehensive health insurance, including coverage for medical treatment, surgery, and preventive care. Additionally, the Marine Corps offers its own health and wellness programs, including martial arts training, healthy living seminars, and recreation and fitness programs. These programs are designed to promote overall health and wellness, both mental and physical.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Finally, 2nd lieutenants in the Marine Corps have a range of career advancement opportunities, both within the officer corps and in specialized career fields such as intelligence, law enforcement, and aviation. As they gain experience and seniority, 2nd lieutenants may be eligible to promotion to higher grades, such as captain or colonel, and may even have the opportunity to become a general officer, the highest rank in the Marine Corps.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, a 2nd lieutenant in the Marines can earn a salary ranging from approximately $47,000 to over $53,000 per year, depending on their years of service, branch of service, military occupation, location, and experience. Additionally, 2nd lieutenants in the Marines can also receive a variety of bonuses and incentives, educational benefits, health and wellness benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
