How Much Does a First Sergeant Make in the Army?
As a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) in the United States Army, a First Sergeant (1SG) plays a crucial role in leading and mentoring junior soldiers, as well as providing guidance and support to their company or battalion. But one of the most common questions potential recruits and current soldiers ask is: how much does a First Sergeant make in the Army?
Basic Pay
Before diving into the specifics of First Sergeant pay, it’s essential to understand the basic pay structure in the Army. The Army uses a pay grade system, with pay grades ranging from E-1 (Private) to O-10 (General). The pay grade determines the amount of basic pay a soldier receives each month.
As of 2022, the basic pay for an E-8 (Staff Sergeant) is $3,294.90 per month, while an E-9 (Sergeant First Class) receives $4,207.10 per month. The pay grade for a First Sergeant is E-8, so their basic pay would be $3,294.90 per month.
Special Pay
In addition to basic pay, First Sergeants can receive special pay for certain duties or assignments. These include:
- Drill Pay: $150-$300 per month, depending on the unit’s drill schedule
- Flight Pay: $150-$300 per month, depending on the number of flight hours
- Hazardous Duty Pay: $150-$300 per month, depending on the type of duty
- Special Duty Pay: $100-$200 per month, depending on the specific duty
Allowances
First Sergeants also receive various allowances to help offset the costs of living and serving in the Army. These include:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): varies depending on location and family size
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): $369.00 per month
- Family Separation Allowance (FSA): $250-$500 per month, depending on the distance from family
- Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE): varies depending on the length of deployment
Bonuses and Incentives
The Army offers various bonuses and incentives to encourage soldiers to stay in service or take on specific roles. These include:
- Enlistment Bonuses: $5,000-$20,000 for new recruits, depending on the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and length of service
- Re-enlistment Bonuses: $5,000-$20,000 for soldiers re-enlisting, depending on the MOS and length of service
- Special Duty Pay: $100-$200 per month, depending on the specific duty
Table: First Sergeant Pay Breakdown
| Pay Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (E-8) | $3,294.90 |
| Drill Pay | $150-$300 |
| Flight Pay | $150-$300 |
| Hazardous Duty Pay | $150-$300 |
| Special Duty Pay | $100-$200 |
| Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) | $369.00 |
| Family Separation Allowance (FSA) | $250-$500 |
| Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE) | varies |
Total Pay
As you can see, a First Sergeant’s total pay can vary depending on their specific duties, assignments, and family situation. However, as a rough estimate, a First Sergeant’s total pay can range from $4,500-$6,500 per month.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a First Sergeant’s pay in the Army is a complex combination of basic pay, special pay, allowances, and bonuses. While the basic pay for an E-8 is $3,294.90 per month, additional pay components can increase their total pay significantly. As a senior NCO, a First Sergeant plays a critical role in the Army, and their compensation reflects their importance and responsibility.
