What is the Average Military Salary?
For those who serve in the military, a steady and competitive salary is an attractive benefit. But what does the average military salary really look like? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the average military salary, covering the different branches, officer and enlisted pay, and incentives.
What is the Average Military Salary?
The average military salary is difficult to pinpoint, as it varies greatly depending on factors such as rank, branch, and time of service. However, based on data from the military branches and the Department of Defense, here are the average annual salaries for officers and enlisted personnel:
Rank | Branch | Enlisted Average Annual Salary | Officer Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Private (E-1) | Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps | $20,160 | $40,000-$50,000 |
Lance Corporal (E-3) | Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps | $24,432 | $50,000-$60,000 |
Petty Officer (E-5) | Army, Navy, Air Force | $28,616 | $60,000-$70,000 |
Army | $32,000-$40,000 | Not applicable for Warrant Officers |
Branch-to-Branch Comparison
salaries vary across the different military branches. Here’s a breakdown of the average salary for each branch:
Contents
**Army:**
• Enlisted: $27,500 – $67,000 per year
• Officer: $54,000 – $126,000 per year
• Enlisted: $26,000 – $64,000 per year
• Officer: $52,000 – $122,000 per year
**Air Force:**
• Enlisted: $25,500 – $62,000 per year
• Officer: $51,000 – $119,000 per year
**Marine Corps:**
• Enlisted: $29,000 – $62,000 per year
• Officer: $50,000 – $111,000 per year
**Branch Incentives:**
Each military branch offers incentives to entice new recruits and keep existing personnel. Some of these incentives include:
• Sign-on Bonuses: one-time payments ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars for specializing in certain skills or language proficiency.
• Student Loan Repayment: programs to help pay off student debt, with some branches offering up to $65,000 in repayment.
• Special Pays: additional incentives for serving in certain critical roles, such as working in healthcare or linguistics.
• Military Education Benefits: tuition assistance and full-ride scholarships for continued education.
Conclusion:
The average military salary is a complex and varying figure, influenced by numerous factors such as rank, branch, and time of service. While the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps may have different average salaries for enlisted and officer personnel, each branch offers its unique set of incentives to appeal to potential recruits. It’s essential to research these incentives and salaries when deciding which branch to join.
Additional Resources:
- Department of Defense Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness: www.rand.org/topics/military-comensation
- The Military Compensation and Retirement Benefits Commission: www.stennis.gov/military- compensation-and-retirement-benefits