How Much Does a Military Person Get Paid?
The question of how much a military person gets paid is a common one, and the answer is not as simple as just giving a single figure. The military pay system is complex, and salaries can vary greatly depending on factors such as rank, branch, and length of service. In this article, we will break down the different components of military pay and provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a significant component of a military person’s pay. BAH is a monthly allowance paid to service members to help them pay for housing expenses. The amount of BAH is based on the location and cost of living in the area where the service member is stationed.
Here is a breakdown of the BAH rates for different locations in the United States:
| Location | BAH Rate (per month) |
|---|---|
| New York City, NY | $3,441 |
| San Francisco, CA | $2,541 |
| Washington D.C. | $2,351 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $2,143 |
| Houston, TX | $1,541 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $1,243 |
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
In addition to BAH, service members also receive a Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), which is a monthly allowance for food and other living expenses. BAS is a flat rate of $369.36 per month for enlisted service members and $396.48 per month for officers.
Active Duty Pay
Active duty pay is the base pay that service members receive for their military service. Active duty pay is based on the service member’s rank and years of service.
Here is a breakdown of the active duty pay rates for different ranks:
| Rank | Active Duty Pay (per month) |
|---|---|
| E-1 (Private) | $1,733.10 |
| E-2 (Private First Class) | $1,886.70 |
| E-3 (Lance Corporal) | $2,022.50 |
| E-4 (Corporal) | $2,134.80 |
| E-5 (Sergeant) | $2,245.30 |
| E-6 (Staff Sergeant) | $2,384.40 |
| E-7 (Sergeant First Class) | $2,533.50 |
| E-8 (Master Sergeant) | $2,783.60 |
| E-9 (Sergeant Major) | $3,034.70 |
| O-1 (Second Lieutenant) | $2,972.80 |
| O-2 (First Lieutenant) | $3,533.80 |
| O-3 (Captain) | $3,964.20 |
| O-4 (Major) | $4,436.40 |
| O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel) | $4,964.20 |
| O-6 (Colonel) | $5,533.80 |
Special Pays and Allowances
In addition to basic pay and allowances, service members may also be eligible for special pays and allowances, such as:
- Special Duty Pay: Pay for service members serving in special duty positions, such as pilots, surgeons, and linguists.
- Hazardous Duty Pay: Pay for service members serving in hazardous duty positions, such as combat zones.
- Flight Pay: Pay for pilots and other aviation personnel.
- Foreign Language Pay: Pay for service members who speak a foreign language.
- Counterintelligence Pay: Pay for service members serving in counterintelligence positions.
Other Benefits
In addition to pay, military service members are also eligible for other benefits, such as:
- Health Insurance: Military service members are eligible for health insurance through TRICARE.
- Retirement Benefits: Military service members are eligible for retirement benefits, including a pension and health insurance.
- Education Benefits: Military service members are eligible for education benefits, including the GI Bill and education assistance programs.
- Home Loan Guarantees: Military service members are eligible for home loan guarantees, which can help them qualify for mortgages.
Conclusion
As you can see, the pay and benefits for military service members can be complex and varied. While the base pay is a significant component, there are many other factors that can impact a service member’s overall compensation package. From Basic Allowance for Housing and Basic Allowance for Subsistence, to special pays and allowances, and other benefits, military service members can earn a comprehensive compensation package that reflects their service and sacrifices.
