Intro
Discover the average salary for US Army personnel by rank, from Private to General. Learn about military pay scales, allowances, and benefits for active duty soldiers. Get insights into Army rank structures, promotions, and salary ranges to make informed decisions about your military career.
The United States Army is one of the largest and most respected branches of the military, with a wide range of career opportunities and competitive salaries. As a soldier in the US Army, your salary will depend on your rank, time in service, and job specialty. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the average salary for US Army personnel by rank.
Why is it important to know the average salary for US Army personnel by rank?
Understanding the average salary for US Army personnel by rank can help you make informed decisions about your military career. Whether you're considering joining the Army or already serving, knowing what to expect in terms of compensation can help you plan for your financial future.
US Army Ranks and Their Corresponding Average Salaries
The US Army has a hierarchical rank structure, with 13 enlisted ranks and 11 officer ranks. Here are the average salaries for each rank, based on 2022 data:
Enlisted Ranks
- Private (E-1): $1,733.10 per month (approximately $20,797 per year)
- Private Second Class (E-2): $1,942.50 per month (approximately $23,310 per year)
- Private First Class (E-3): $2,043.70 per month (approximately $24,524 per year)
- Specialist/Corporal (E-4): $2,341.40 per month (approximately $28,097 per year)
- Sergeant (E-5): $2,664.30 per month (approximately $31,971 per year)
- Staff Sergeant (E-6): $3,066.60 per month (approximately $36,799 per year)
- Sergeant First Class (E-7): $3,319.70 per month (approximately $39,836 per year)
- Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8): $4,119.40 per month (approximately $49,433 per year)
- Sergeant Major (E-9): $5,173.30 per month (approximately $62,080 per year)
- Command Sergeant Major (E-9): $5,289.10 per month (approximately $63,469 per year)
- Sergeant Major of the Army (E-9): $5,469.90 per month (approximately $65,638 per year)
Officer Ranks
- Second Lieutenant (O-1): $3,287.10 per month (approximately $39,445 per year)
- First Lieutenant (O-2): $3,787.80 per month (approximately $45,453 per year)
- Captain (O-3): $4,417.40 per month (approximately $53,008 per year)
- Major (O-4): $5,173.30 per month (approximately $62,080 per year)
- Lieutenant Colonel (O-5): $6,116.50 per month (approximately $73,398 per year)
- Colonel (O-6): $7,343.70 per month (approximately $88,124 per year)
- Brigadier General (O-7): $9,281.20 per month (approximately $111,374 per year)
- Major General (O-8): $11,437.80 per month (approximately $137,254 per year)
- Lieutenant General (O-9): $14,355.40 per month (approximately $172,265 per year)
- General (O-10): $16,333.80 per month (approximately $196,006 per year)
How does time in service affect salary?
In addition to rank, time in service also plays a significant role in determining salary. The longer you serve in the Army, the higher your salary will be. For example, a Private (E-1) with less than two years of service will earn $1,733.10 per month, while a Private (E-1) with six years of service will earn $2,103.40 per month.
What other forms of compensation are available to US Army personnel?
In addition to base salary, US Army personnel are also eligible for a range of other forms of compensation, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): a tax-free allowance to help cover the cost of housing
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): a tax-free allowance to help cover the cost of food
- Special Duty Pay: additional pay for serving in special duty positions, such as a recruiter or drill sergeant
- Hazardous Duty Pay: additional pay for serving in hazardous duty positions, such as a combat zone
- Education Assistance: financial assistance for education expenses, such as tuition and fees
- Health Insurance: comprehensive health insurance coverage for soldiers and their families
Gallery of US Army Ranks and Insignia
US Army Ranks and Insignia
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine my salary in the US Army?
+Your salary in the US Army will depend on your rank and time in service. You can use the pay charts provided by the US Army to determine your salary.
What is the average salary for a US Army soldier?
+The average salary for a US Army soldier varies depending on rank and time in service. However, the average salary for a Private (E-1) is approximately $20,797 per year, while the average salary for a General (O-10) is approximately $196,006 per year.
Do US Army personnel receive other forms of compensation in addition to base salary?
+Yes, US Army personnel are eligible for a range of other forms of compensation, including Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), Special Duty Pay, Hazardous Duty Pay, Education Assistance, and Health Insurance.
Take the Next Step
Now that you have a better understanding of the average salary for US Army personnel by rank, you can make informed decisions about your military career. Whether you're considering joining the Army or already serving, knowing what to expect in terms of compensation can help you plan for your financial future. Take the next step and start exploring the many career opportunities available in the US Army.