How Much Does a Marine Make a Year?
The United States Marine Corps is one of the most respected and elite branches of the US military, with a rich history of bravery and sacrifice. As a result, Marines are highly sought after by employers and can command competitive salaries. But just how much does a Marine make a year?
Entry-Level Marines
For those who are new to the Marine Corps, the starting salary is $1,733.10 per month, which translates to $20,800 per year. This is a base pay, and does not include additional forms of compensation such as bonuses, allowances, and benefits.
Experience and Rank
As Marines gain experience and advance in rank, their salaries increase accordingly. Here is a breakdown of the average annual salary for Marines at different ranks:
| Rank | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Private (E-1) | $20,800 |
| Private First Class (E-2) | $22,400 |
| Lance Corporal (E-3) | $24,100 |
| Corporal (E-4) | $26,400 |
| Sergeant (E-5) | $30,600 |
| Staff Sergeant (E-6) | $34,400 |
| Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) | $38,400 |
| Master Sergeant (E-8) | $43,400 |
| Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) | $48,400 |
| Sergeant Major (E-9) | $54,400 |
| Colonel (O-6) | $124,600 |
| Brigadier General (O-7) | $144,600 |
| Major General (O-8) | $164,600 |
| Lieutenant General (O-9) | $184,600 |
| General (O-10) | $204,600 |
Specialty Pay
In addition to their base pay, Marines can also receive specialty pay for certain skills or occupations. For example:
- Aviation Incentive Pay: $150-$300 per month
- Dive Pay: $150-$300 per month
- Diver Pay: $200-$400 per month
- Foreign Language Pay: $100-$200 per month
- Hazardous Duty Pay: $150-$300 per month
- Jump Pay: $150-$300 per month
- Special Duty Assignment Pay: $100-$200 per month
- Submarine Pay: $150-$300 per month
Allowances
Marines also receive various allowances to help offset the costs of living and working. These include:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): varies depending on location and rank
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): $369.60 per month
- Clothing Allowance: varies depending on rank and occupation
- Food Allowance: varies depending on rank and occupation
- Travel Allowance: varies depending on distance and frequency of travel
Bonuses
The Marine Corps also offers various bonuses to attract and retain top talent. These include:
- Enlistment Bonuses: up to $40,000 for certain occupations and skills
- Re-enlistment Bonuses: up to $100,000 for certain occupations and skills
- Special Duty Pay: up to $10,000 per year for certain assignments
- Education Benefits: up to $100,000 for certain education and training programs
Conclusion
As you can see, the salary of a Marine can vary greatly depending on their rank, experience, and specialty. While the starting salary for an entry-level Marine is around $20,800 per year, experienced Marines can earn upwards of $100,000 per year. Additionally, Marines can receive various forms of compensation, including bonuses, allowances, and benefits.
