How Much Does a Military Person Make a Year?
Joining the military is a noble profession that requires bravery, discipline, and a sense of service. Besides the personal satisfaction and opportunities for career advancement, the military offers a decent compensation package. In this article, we will dive into the topic of military pay, exploring the base salary, allowances, bonuses, and benefits that a military person can expect.
Base Salary
The base salary of a military person depends on their rank, branch, and length of service. Here’s a general breakdown of the basic pay scales for enlisted personnel and officers in the US military:
- Enlisted Personnel:
- Private (E-1): $1,785.90 to $1,946.90 per month ($21,419.20 to $23,260.80 per year)
- Specialist (E-4): $2,381.90 to $3,015.50 per month ($28,577.20 to $36,188.80 per year)
- Sergeant (E-5): $2,691.60 to $3,457.80 per month ($32,324.20 to $41,496.00 per year)
- Staff Sergeant (E-6): $2,945.80 to $3,821.30 per month ($35,453.20 to $45,845.60 per year)
- Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-7): $3,381.20 to $4,134.90 per month ($40,754.80 to $49,770.20 per year)
- Senior Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8): $4,056.70 to $5,046.70 per month ($48,666.00 to $60,566.20 per year)
- Officers:
- Second Lieutenant (O-1): $3,447.30 to $4,355.20 per month ($41,365.20 to $52,166.20 per year)
- First Lieutenant (O-2): $3,744.20 to $4,755.70 per month ($45,135.40 to $57,277.00 per year)
- Captain (O-3): $4,355.20 to $5,646.80 per month ($52,266.00 to $67,742.00 per year)
- Major (O-4): $4,744.50 to $6,436.40 per month ($56,734.20 to $77,247.80 per year)
Allowances
Besides their base salary, military personnel also receive various allowances to offset living expenses. Some common allowances include:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): varies based on location, family size, and other factors
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): $369.63 per month ($4,443.60 per year) for single personnel
- Special Pay: special incentives for things like flight hours, language skills, or hazardous duty
Bonuses and Benefits
In addition to their regular salary and allowances, military personnel can earn bonuses and benefits that increase their total compensation package. Some examples include:
- Reenlistment Bonuses: bonuses paid to military personnel who choose to continue their service beyond their initial commitment
- GIBill Education Benefits: assistance with tuition, fees, and other education expenses for veterans
- VAC Health Benefits: low-cost health insurance and access to military treatment facilities for veterans
- VA Disability Benefits: financial support for service-connected injuries and disabilities
- Moving Expenses: reimbursement for transportation costs associated with military relocations
- Military Savings Deposit Program (SDP): special savings accounts with higher interest rates for military personnel
Tax-Free Income
A significant benefit of serving in the military is that military income is often exempt from state and local income taxes, which can lead to thousands of dollars in additional savings. Federal income taxes are still required, but military personnel often benefit from a higher deductions rate compared to civilian personnel.
Table: Comparative Analysis of Military Salaries and Allowances
| Rank/Officer Grade | Basic Pay | Allowances (approximate) | Total Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private (E-1) | $21,419.20 | $5,555.28 (BAH + BAS) | $27,011.72 |
| Staff Sergeant (E-6) | $35,453.20 | $6,455.50 (BAH + BAS) | $42,144.48 |
| Second Lieutenant (O-1) | $52,166.20 | $10,133.44 (BAH + BAS) | $64,235.22 |
In conclusion, a military person’s annual salary varies significantly based on rank, branch, and other factors. By considering both basic pay and allowances, bonuses, and benefits, a military personnel can build a comprehensive compensation package. Keep in mind that individual results may vary, and the total compensation package should not be limited to salary alone. The intangible rewards of serving in the military, such as pride, camaraderie, and the sense of protecting and serving the nation, often outweigh the monetary benefits for many service members.
