How Much Does a Military General Make?
When it comes to the United States military, the rank of general is considered the highest achievable position for an officer. Military generals are highly respected and well-compensated for their years of service, leadership, and dedication to the country. But just how much do military generals make?
Direct Answer:
The salary of a military general varies depending on their rank, years of service, and branch of the military. Here is a breakdown of the average annual salary for military generals in the United States:
- O-10: General of the Army (Army) or Fleet Admiral (Navy)
- Average annual salary: $15,583.20 (Basic Pay) + $10,000 – $20,000 (Bonus) = $25,583.20 – $35,583.20
- O-9: General (Army, Air Force, Marine Corps) or Admiral (Navy)
- Average annual salary: $14,300.60 (Basic Pay) + $5,000 – $10,000 (Bonus) = $19,300.60 – $24,300.60
- O-8: Lieutenant General (Army, Air Force, Marine Corps) or Vice Admiral (Navy)
- Average annual salary: $13,300.60 (Basic Pay) + $3,000 – $6,000 (Bonus) = $16,300.60 – $19,300.60
- O-7: Major General (Army, Air Force, Marine Corps) or Rear Admiral (Lower Half) (Navy)
- Average annual salary: $12,300.60 (Basic Pay) + $2,000 – $4,000 (Bonus) = $14,300.60 – $16,300.60
Other Forms of Compensation:
In addition to their base salary, military generals also receive other forms of compensation, including:
- Allowances: Generals receive various allowances, such as a housing allowance, food allowance, and cost-of-living allowance.
- Bonuses: Generals may receive bonuses for their service, such as a signing bonus or a retention bonus.
- Benefits: Generals and their families are eligible for a range of benefits, including health insurance, education benefits, and retirement benefits.
- Retirement: Generals are eligible for a military pension, which is based on their years of service and final pay.
Factors Affecting Salary:
The salary of a military general is influenced by several factors, including:
- Rank: The higher the rank, the higher the salary.
- Years of Service: Generals with more years of service typically receive higher salaries.
- Branch of Service: Salaries can vary slightly between branches of the military.
- Location: Generals stationed in areas with a higher cost of living may receive a higher salary to offset the costs.
- Bonus Structure: The bonus structure can vary depending on the branch of service and the type of bonus.
Comparison to Civilian Salaries:
It’s difficult to compare the salaries of military generals to those of civilian executives, as the two are apples and oranges. However, here are some rough estimates of what civilian executives in similar positions might earn:
- CEO of a large corporation: $1 million – $10 million per year
- Government agency head: $150,000 – $250,000 per year
- High-ranking corporate executive: $200,000 – $500,000 per year
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the salary of a military general varies depending on their rank, years of service, and branch of the military. While the salaries may not be as high as those of civilian executives, military generals are highly respected and well-compensated for their service and leadership. Additionally, military generals receive a range of benefits and allowances that are not typically available to civilian executives.
Table: Military General Salaries
| Rank | Average Annual Salary | Bonus Range |
|---|---|---|
| O-10 | $25,583.20 – $35,583.20 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| O-9 | $19,300.60 – $24,300.60 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| O-8 | $16,300.60 – $19,300.60 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| O-7 | $14,300.60 – $16,300.60 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
Key Takeaways:
- Military generals are highly respected and well-compensated for their service and leadership.
- Salaries vary depending on rank, years of service, and branch of the military.
- Bonuses and allowances are an important part of a military general’s compensation package.
- Military generals receive a range of benefits and allowances that are not typically available to civilian executives.
