How Much Does a National Guard Make an Hour?
The National Guard is a reserve military force that consists of citizen-soldiers who can be called upon to support active-duty military units or to respond to domestic emergencies. As a member of the National Guard, you may be wondering how much you can earn per hour. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
Direct Answer: How Much Does a National Guard Make an Hour?
The amount of money a National Guard member can earn per hour varies depending on their rank, position, and length of service. Here are some general guidelines:
- Enlisted Members: E-1 to E-5 (Private to Sergeant): $12-$25 per hour
- Warrant Officers: WO1 to WO5 (Warrant Officer 1 to Chief Warrant Officer 5): $20-$50 per hour
- Commissioned Officers: O-1 to O-5 (Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant Colonel): $25-$60 per hour
Factors Affecting National Guard Pay
While the above rates provide a general idea of what National Guard members can earn per hour, there are several factors that can affect their pay. These include:
- Rank: As mentioned earlier, rank plays a significant role in determining National Guard pay. Higher-ranking officers and enlisted members typically earn more than lower-ranking ones.
- Position: The type of position you hold within the National Guard can also impact your pay. For example, officers and senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) tend to earn more than junior enlisted members.
- Length of Service: The longer you serve in the National Guard, the more you can earn. National Guard members with longer service records tend to earn higher pay rates.
- Training and Education: Completing training and education courses can also increase your pay. For example, officers who complete officer candidate school (OCS) or warrant officers who complete warrant officer candidate school (WOCS) may earn higher pay rates.
National Guard Pay Scales
Here is a breakdown of the National Guard pay scales for enlisted members and officers:
| Rank | Basic Pay (per month) | Drill Pay (per month) | Total Pay (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,733.70 | $76.20 | $1,809.90 |
| E-2 | $1,944.60 | $91.80 | $2,036.40 |
| E-3 | $2,043.40 | $104.40 | $2,147.80 |
| E-4 | $2,212.40 | $118.80 | $2,331.20 |
| E-5 | $2,424.40 | $134.40 | $2,558.80 |
| E-6 | $2,644.40 | $151.40 | $2,795.80 |
| E-7 | $2,864.40 | $169.40 | $3,033.80 |
| E-8 | $3,084.40 | $187.40 | $3,271.80 |
| E-9 | $3,304.40 | $205.40 | $3,509.80 |
| Rank | Basic Pay (per month) | Drill Pay (per month) | Total Pay (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| O-1 | $2,844.30 | $143.20 | $2,987.50 |
| O-2 | $3,544.30 | $173.20 | $3,717.50 |
| O-3 | $4,044.30 | $204.20 | $4,248.50 |
| O-4 | $4,644.30 | $235.20 | $4,879.50 |
| O-5 | $5,244.30 | $266.20 | $5,510.50 |
National Guard Benefits
In addition to their pay, National Guard members are also eligible for a range of benefits, including:
- Health Insurance: National Guard members are eligible for TRICARE, the military’s health insurance program.
- Education Benefits: National Guard members are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provide education benefits.
- Retirement Benefits: National Guard members are eligible for a retirement pension after 20 years of service.
- Life Insurance: National Guard members are eligible for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), which provides life insurance coverage.
- Travel Opportunities: National Guard members may have the opportunity to travel and see different parts of the country or the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the amount of money a National Guard member can earn per hour varies depending on their rank, position, and length of service. While the pay rates listed above provide a general idea of what National Guard members can earn, it’s important to note that there are many other benefits that come with serving in the National Guard. From education benefits to retirement benefits, National Guard members have access to a range of benefits that can help them achieve their long-term goals.
References
- National Guard Bureau. (n.d.). Pay and Allowances. Retrieved from <https://www.nationalguard.mil/About-the-Guard/ Pay-and-Allowances/>
- U.S. Department of Defense. (n.d.). Military Pay. Retrieved from https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Blue-Star-Families/Military-Pay/
- Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits-book/
