How Much Does a Marine Get Paid?
The United States Marine Corps is one of the most prestigious and respected branches of the US military. Marines are known for their bravery, discipline, and commitment to serving their country. But one of the most common questions people ask is: how much does a marine get paid?
Basic Pay
The answer to this question is straightforward: Marine Corps pay is based on rank and time in service. Here’s a breakdown of the basic pay for Marines:
- Enlisted Marines:
- E-1 (Private): $1,733.70 per month
- E-2 (Private First Class): $1,942.70 per month
- E-3 (Lance Corporal): $2,073.30 per month
- E-4 (Corporal): $2,244.30 per month
- E-5 (Sergeant): $2,468.40 per month
- E-6 (Staff Sergeant): $2,734.50 per month
- E-7 (Gunnery Sergeant): $3,033.30 per month
- E-8 (Master Sergeant): $3,343.30 per month
- E-9 (Master Gunnery Sergeant): $3,653.30 per month
- Officer Marines:
- O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $3,287.50 per month
- O-2 (First Lieutenant): $3,787.50 per month
- O-3 (Captain): $4,287.50 per month
- O-4 (Major): $5,287.50 per month
- O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $6,287.50 per month
- O-6 (Colonel): $7,287.50 per month
- O-7 (Brigadier General): $8,287.50 per month
- O-8 (Major General): $9,287.50 per month
- O-9 (Lieutenant General): $10,287.50 per month
- O-10 (General): $11,287.50 per month
Special Pay
In addition to basic pay, Marines can also receive special pay for things like:
- Hazardous Duty Pay: $150-$300 per month
- Imminent Danger Pay: $150-$300 per month
- Submarine Pay: $200-$300 per month
- Diving Pay: $100-$200 per month
- Flight Pay: $100-$200 per month
- Duty Pay: $50-$100 per month
Allowances
Marines also receive various allowances to help cover the costs of living and serving in the military. These allowances include:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): varies based on location and rank
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): $369.33 per month
- Clothing Allowance: $400-$600 per year
- Food Allowance: $300-$500 per year
- Transportation Allowance: $200-$400 per year
Total Compensation
When you add up basic pay, special pay, and allowances, the total compensation for a Marine can be significant. Here’s a breakdown of the total compensation for Marines at different ranks:
Rank | Basic Pay | Special Pay | Allowances | Total Compensation |
---|---|---|---|---|
E-1 | $1,733.70 | $0 | $369.33 | $2,103.03 |
E-5 | $2,468.40 | $150 | $1,039.33 | $3,657.73 |
O-1 | $3,287.50 | $0 | $1,039.33 | $4,326.83 |
O-5 | $6,287.50 | $300 | $1,639.33 | $8,227.83 |
Conclusion
As you can see, the pay for Marines can vary significantly based on rank and time in service. While basic pay is a significant portion of a Marine’s compensation, special pay and allowances can also make a big difference. When you add it all up, the total compensation for a Marine can be quite substantial. Whether you’re an enlisted Marine or an officer, serving in the Marine Corps can be a rewarding and lucrative career.