How Much Does a Sergeant Make in the Army?
The question of how much a sergeant makes in the army is a common one, as many people are interested in joining the military and knowing what they can expect in terms of compensation. The answer, however, is not straightforward, as pay varies depending on factors such as rank, time in service, and location. In this article, we will explore the different components of a sergeant’s salary, including base pay, allowances, and bonuses, to provide a comprehensive understanding of how much a sergeant makes in the army.
Direct Answer:
A sergeant in the US Army, with 4-6 years of service, can expect to make a base pay of $3,385 per month, or $40,820 per year. However, this is just the base pay, and the total compensation package for a sergeant includes various allowances and bonuses. In this article, we will break down the different components of a sergeant’s salary to provide a complete picture.
Base Pay:
Base pay is the initial salary that an army sergeant receives, which is based on their rank and time in service. The following table shows the base pay for sergeants in the US Army, with 4-6 years of service:
| Rank | Base Pay |
|---|---|
| Sergeant (E5) | $3,385 per month |
| Staff Sergeant (E6) | $3,694 per month |
| Sergeant First Class (E7) | $4,441 per month |
| Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E8) | $5,151 per month |
| First Sergeant (E9) | $5,766 per month |
Allowances:
In addition to base pay, sergeants may also receive various allowances, which are payments made to cover specific expenses. The following are some common allowances received by army sergeants:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): This allowance is paid to sergeants who do not receive free housing, such as those living off-post. The amount of BAH varies depending on location, with rates ranging from $1,400 to $3,400 per month.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): This allowance is paid to sergeants to cover food expenses, and is typically $368 per month.
- Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP): This allowance is paid to sergeants who are assigned to special duties, such as those serving in critical skill positions or in extreme environments. The amount of SDAP varies depending on the duty, but can range from $100 to $500 per month.
- High-Yield Mobility Pay (HYMP): This allowance is paid to sergeants who are assigned to units that are frequently redeployed or relocated. The amount of HYMP varies depending on the number of deployments, but can range from $50 to $150 per month.
Bonuses:
In addition to base pay and allowances, sergeants may also be eligible for various bonuses. The following are some common bonuses received by army sergeants:
- Re-enlistment Bonus (REB): This bonus is paid to sergeants who re-enlist for an additional term of service. The amount of the REB varies depending on the length of the new enlistment, with amounts ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
- Accession Bonus (AB): This bonus is paid to sergeants who are new recruits to the army. The amount of the AB varies depending on the length of the enlistment, with amounts ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.
- Special Skills Pay (SSP): This bonus is paid to sergeants who possess special skills, such as foreign language proficiency or specialized technical skills. The amount of SSP varies depending on the skill, but can range from $100 to $500 per month.
Other Benefits:
In addition to pay and allowances, army sergeants also receive a range of other benefits, including:
- Healthcare: Army sergeants have access to excellent healthcare, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Education: Army sergeants are eligible for education benefits, including the GI Bill and on-the-job training.
- Retirement: Army sergeants are eligible for a comprehensive retirement package, including a pension and health benefits.
- Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR): Army sergeants have access to a range of recreational activities and services, including fitness centers, sports teams, and entertainment.
Conclusion:
The answer to the question "how much does a sergeant make in the army?" is not a simple one, as pay varies depending on a range of factors. However, by understanding the different components of a sergeant’s salary, including base pay, allowances, and bonuses, it is possible to get a more complete picture of what army sergeants can expect. Whether you are considering a career in the army or are simply curious about what sergeants make, we hope this article has provided a helpful overview of the compensation package for army sergeants.
