National Guard Salary Breakdown: 5 Key Facts Revealed

The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces that is composed of citizen-soldiers who serve both their state and the federal government. As a member of the National Guard, you can expect to receive a competitive salary, benefits, and education assistance. However, understanding the National Guard salary breakdown can be complex, and it's essential to know the facts before making a decision. In this article, we'll reveal five key facts about National Guard salaries, including the average salary, pay scales, and benefits.

How Much Do National Guard Members Get Paid?

The National Guard salary breakdown is based on a combination of factors, including rank, time in service, and job specialty. The base pay for National Guard members is the same as that of active-duty military personnel, and it's based on the military pay scale. However, National Guard members typically serve on a part-time basis, which means they only receive pay for their drill periods and annual training.

1. National Guard Pay Scales

The National Guard pay scales are based on the military pay scale, which is divided into two main categories: enlisted and officer. The enlisted pay scale ranges from E-1 (Private) to E-9 (Sergeant Major), while the officer pay scale ranges from O-1 (Second Lieutenant) to O-10 (General). The pay scales are further divided into different grades, which are based on time in service and rank.

Here is an approximate breakdown of the National Guard pay scales:

• Enlisted:
  • E-1 (Private): $1,733 per month
  • E-2 (Private First Class): $1,942 per month
  • E-3 (Specialist/Corporal): $2,043 per month
  • E-4 (Sergeant): $2,343 per month
  • E-5 (Staff Sergeant): $2,644 per month
• Officer:
  • O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $3,287 per month
  • O-2 (First Lieutenant): $3,653 per month
  • O-3 (Captain): $4,144 per month
  • O-4 (Major): $5,044 per month

2. Drill Pay and Annual Training Pay

National Guard members typically serve one weekend per month (known as drill) and two weeks per year (known as annual training). During this time, they receive pay for their service.

• Drill pay: National Guard members receive pay for their drill periods, which typically take place one weekend per month. The amount of pay varies based on rank and time in service.
• Annual training pay: National Guard members also receive pay for their annual training, which typically takes place for two weeks per year.

3. Education Assistance and Benefits

In addition to their base pay, National Guard members are eligible for education assistance and benefits. These benefits include:

• Education Assistance Program (EAP): The EAP provides up to 100% tuition assistance for college courses.
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR): The MGIB-SR provides up to 36 months of education benefits for college courses.
• Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): The SLRP provides up to $50,000 in student loan repayment assistance.

4. Special Pay and Allowances

National Guard members may also be eligible for special pay and allowances, including:

• Hazardous duty pay: National Guard members who perform hazardous duties, such as flying or diving, may receive hazardous duty pay.
• Jump pay: National Guard members who are qualified parachutists may receive jump pay.
• Diving pay: National Guard members who are qualified divers may receive diving pay.

5. State-Specific Benefits

In addition to federal benefits, National Guard members may also be eligible for state-specific benefits, including:

• State tuition reimbursement: Some states offer tuition reimbursement for National Guard members.
• State education assistance: Some states offer education assistance for National Guard members.
• State employment benefits: Some states offer employment benefits, such as preference in hiring, for National Guard members.

Gallery of National Guard Images

National Guard Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do National Guard members get paid?

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National Guard members receive pay based on their rank and time in service. The base pay for National Guard members is the same as that of active-duty military personnel.

What benefits do National Guard members receive?

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National Guard members receive a range of benefits, including education assistance, special pay and allowances, and state-specific benefits.

How often do National Guard members drill?

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National Guard members typically drill one weekend per month and attend annual training for two weeks per year.

In conclusion, understanding the National Guard salary breakdown is essential for anyone considering joining the National Guard. While the pay may vary based on rank and time in service, National Guard members receive a range of benefits, including education assistance, special pay and allowances, and state-specific benefits. If you're considering joining the National Guard, we encourage you to do your research and speak with a recruiter to learn more about the opportunities and benefits available to you.