How Much Does a General in the Military Make?
In the military, rank plays a crucial role in determining an officer’s salary, benefits, and overall career advancement opportunities. For officers who make it to the highest rank, known as generals or flag officers, their salary is significantly higher than lower-ranked officers. In this article, we’ll answer the question How much does a general in the military make? by delving into the average salary, bonuses, and other forms of compensation received by generals in the different branches of the US military.
The Ranks of General Officers
The United States has four different branches of the military, each with its own equivalent rank structure. The most common ranks held by general officers are:
- One-star general (O-7): Brigadier general (Air Force, Navy) or Brigadier General (Army)
- Two-star general (O-8): Major general
- Three-star general (O-9): Lieutenant general
- Four-star general (O-10): General
- FIVE-STAR GENERALS: Fleet Admiral or General of the Army are considered five-star generals. They are typically only achieved in times of war, such as during World War II, when the Five-Star General ranks were reintroduced.
Average Salaries of Generals
Based on data from the Federation of American Scientists, here are the average annual salaries for general officers:
| Rank | Pay (basic salary) |
|---|---|
| Brigadier General (O-7) | $124,000 to $149,000 |
| Major General (O-8) | $150,000 to $175,000 |
| Lieutenant General (O-9) | $160,000 to $195,000 |
| General (O-10) | $185,000 to $250,000 |
Keep in mind that these figures are basic salaries only and do not include:
• Bonuses and awards for special achievements
• Hazards pay for active-duty deployments
• Cost of living adjustments
• Access to the officer’s retention incentives, which can total thousands of dollars
Additional Forms of Compensation
In addition to their salary, generals in the US military also receive:
1. **Bonus Pay: Officers who take on especially demanding assignments or achieve extraordinary milestones may be eligible for significant bonuses**. This can include performance bonuses, completion bonuses, and incentives for officers serving in underserved or remote areas.
2. Bonuses for Special Forces Assignments: Officers in the US Army Special Forces (Green Berets), Air Force Special Operations (SF/ SF-Air) or Navy SEAL teams, or the Marine Corps’ Special Operations Command can earn bonuses of up to $30,000 or more per year for serving in these units.
3. **Tax-Free Accommodation Allowance: Flag officers may be eligible for tax-free accommodations, providing additional compensation.
4. Combat Hazards Pay: Serving in a combat zone increases compensation for military personnel by a factor of 150%, adding tens of thousands to their basic salary. (Example: A colonel’s $150,000 basic salary becomes a whopping $225,000 per year if deployed.)
5. Severance Pay (Retention Incentives): In some cases, retiring or transitioning out of active duty, generals might be eligible for a bonus payment up to the entire base salary of $100,000 to $200,000, as a retention incentive.
6. Annual Travel Pay: Top-tier generals enjoy privileges for frequent travel worldwide, which includes transportation allowance and access to upscale lodging and meal expenses (unlike most enlisted and non-commissioned personnel, who usually have fixed station and daily rations).
7. _Medal Payments (Gold Stripes or Golden Dollar Medals): These bonus payments add hundreds of dollars to salary.
What’s Expected from a General Officer in the Military
As generals progress in their careers, their responsibilities broaden, and expectations grow:
• Leadership: Top brass generals serve as organizational leaders, shaping policy and providing guidance.
• Problem-Solving: They manage high-pressure, high-consequence situations and make quick decisions to address complex security, military, and diplomacy concerns.
• Communication Skills: Generals must negotiate and articulate policies, operations, and budget decisions across all echelons.
As they rise in rank, the stakes heighten, with strategic planning and execution expectations at an all-time high.
Conclusion: Generals in the US Military: Average Salaries, Bonuses, and Other Compensation
In answer to the question how much does a general in the military make? it is evident that there’s no simple answer due to various bonuses, perks, and factors influencing military personnel salaries. Generals enjoy significant salary increases relative to their experience and training.
With these figures as context, the answer varies but tends towards the tens or hundreds of thousands (if not higher) annual pay range, depending on bonus awards, bonus multipliers, and military operations pay factors. Don’t forget, these ranks bring exceptional demands, duties, and exposure, culminating in highly competitive rewards packages.
