How Much Does an Army Sergeant Make?
Serving as an army sergeant is a challenging and rewarding career, requiring dedication, leadership skills, and a strong sense of duty. But one of the most common questions prospective and current army sergeants ask is: how much do army sergeants make?
Base Pay
The base pay for an army sergeant depends on their rank, time in service, and number of dependents. According to the 2022 Military Pay Chart, here are the base pay rates for army sergeants:
- E-5 (Sergeant): $2,610.10 – $3,334.40 per month
- E-6 (Staff Sergeant): $2,923.30 – $3,754.40 per month
- E-7 (Sergeant First Class): $3,354.30 – $4,434.40 per month
- E-8 (Master Sergeant/First Sergeant): $4,072.30 – $5,357.40 per month
- E-9 (Sergeant Major): $4,734.30 – $6,184.40 per month
Allowances and Bonuses
In addition to base pay, army sergeants may also receive various allowances and bonuses. These can include:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of housing
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of food
- Special Pay: additional pay for skills such as linguistics, medical specialties, or aviation
- Enlisted Supplemental Combat Pay: additional pay for serving in combat zones
- Hostile Fire Pay: additional pay for serving in areas where there is a risk of enemy fire
Total Compensation
To give you a better idea of the total compensation for an army sergeant, here is a breakdown of the estimated annual pay:
- E-5 (Sergeant): $31,320 – $40,112 per year
- E-6 (Staff Sergeant): $35,128 – $45,364 per year
- E-7 (Sergeant First Class): $40,242 – $52,856 per year
- E-8 (Master Sergeant/First Sergeant): $49,281 – $64,460 per year
- E-9 (Sergeant Major): $56,791 – $74,532 per year
Career Advancement
As an army sergeant, career advancement opportunities are available, but they require dedication, hard work, and continuous learning. Here are some common career advancement paths:
- Promotion to E-8 (Master Sergeant/First Sergeant): requires 16-20 years of service and successful completion of a promotion board
- Promotion to E-9 (Sergeant Major): requires 20-24 years of service and successful completion of a promotion board
- Transition to Officer Corps: army sergeants can apply for Officer Candidate School (OCS) to become a commissioned officer
- Civilian Careers: many army sergeants leverage their skills and experience to pursue civilian careers in fields such as law enforcement, security, or business
Conclusion
In conclusion, the salary for an army sergeant varies depending on rank, time in service, and number of dependents. While base pay is a significant component of total compensation, allowances and bonuses can also play a significant role. With career advancement opportunities available, army sergeants have the potential to increase their earning potential and enjoy a rewarding career in the military.
