How Much Does a US Marine Make?
The United States Marine Corps is one of the most respected and prestigious military branches in the world. Marines are known for their bravery, skill, and dedication to protecting their country and its interests. But what do they make?
Basic Pay
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of Marine salaries, let’s cover the basics. The pay scale for Marines is determined by their rank, experience, and the number of dependents they have. Here is the basic pay scale for Marines:
- Enlisted Marines: $1,733.70 – $2,700.50 per month
- E-1 (Private First Class): $1,733.70
- E-2 (Private First Class with 4-5 years of experience): $1,853.20
- E-3 (Lance Corporal): $2,000.80
- E-4 (Corporal): $2,300.90
- E-5 (Sergeant): $2,400.90
- E-6 (Staff Sergeant): $2,500.80
- E-7 (Gunnery Sergeant): $2,600.90
- E-8 (Master Sergeant): $2,700.50
Officers
Officers in the Marine Corps also have a different pay scale based on their rank, experience, and the number of dependents they have. Here is the basic pay scale for Marine officers:
- Second Lieutenants (O-1): $2,964.10
- First Lieutenants (O-2): $3,764.50
- Captains (O-3): $4,563.60
- Majors (O-4): $5,443.10
- Lieutenant Colonels (O-5): $6,542.30
- Colonels (O-6): $8,100.30
Bonuses and Special Pay
In addition to their basic pay, Marines can also receive bonuses and special pay for things like:
- Enlistment Bonuses: These are one-time payments that new recruits can receive to join the Marine Corps.
- Re-enlistment Bonuses: These are one-time payments that Marines can receive to re-enlist for additional periods of service.
- Hazards Pay: This is a special pay for Marines who serve in high-risk environments or perform dangerous duties.
- Dive Pay: This is a special pay for Marines who are qualified divers and serve on submarine or SEAL teams.
- Jump Pay: This is a special pay for Marines who are qualified paratroopers and jump out of aircraft as part of their duties.
Here are some examples of the bonuses and special pay that Marines can receive:
| Bonus/Special Pay | Amount |
|---|---|
| Enlistment Bonus (new recruits) | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Re-enlistment Bonus | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Hazards Pay (Afghanistan, Iraq) | $150 – $225 per month |
| Dive Pay | $150 – $200 per month |
| Jump Pay | $150 – $200 per month |
Total Compensation
The total compensation package for a Marine includes their basic pay, bonuses, and special pay. Here is an example of the total compensation package for a Marine Corps officer and enlisted Marine:
- Enlisted Marine (E-5): $2,700.50 per month (basic pay) + $500 (hazards pay) = $3,200.50 per month
- Officer (Captain, O-3): $4,563.60 per month (basic pay) + $1,000 (re-enlistment bonus) = $5,563.60 per month
Tax-Free Allowances
In addition to their total compensation package, Marines also receive tax-free allowances for things like:
- Subsistence Allowance: This is a monthly stipend to cover the cost of food and other essentials.
- Bereavement Allowance: This is a one-time payment to help Marines deal with the loss of a loved one.
Here are some examples of the tax-free allowances that Marines can receive:
| Allowance | Amount |
|---|---|
| Subsistence Allowance | $200 – $500 per month |
| Bereavement Allowance | $1,000 – $2,000 |
Conclusion
The Marine Corps offers a competitive pay and benefits package to its personnel. While the base pay for Marines is similar to that of other branches, the bonuses and special pay opportunities are unique to the Marine Corps. When combined with their tax-free allowances, Marines can expect to receive a total compensation package that is among the highest in the military.
Here are some key takeaways:
- Basic pay for Marines ranges from $1,733.70 to $2,700.50 per month.
- Officers in the Marine Corps can earn up to $8,100.30 per month in basic pay.
- Marines can receive bonuses and special pay for things like enlistment and re-enlistment, hazards, dive, and jump pay.
- Total compensation packages for Marines can exceed $5,000 per month.
- Marines also receive tax-free allowances for subsistence and bereavement.
Ultimately, the Marine Corps is a challenging and rewarding career that offers a unique set of benefits and opportunities. Whether you’re an officer or enlisted, the pay and benefits package is competitive and attractive.
