Intro
Discover the National Guard pay scale by rank, covering 13 ranks and their corresponding salaries. Learn how enlisted and officer ranks impact compensation, and find out which ranks offer the highest pay. Get detailed insights into National Guard salaries, including base pay, allowances, and benefits, to help you navigate your military career.
Serving in the National Guard can be a rewarding and challenging career, offering a unique blend of military service and civilian life. One of the most important considerations for those thinking about joining the National Guard is the pay. The National Guard pay scale is based on rank and time in service, with higher ranks and more years of service corresponding to higher salaries.
In this article, we'll explore the 13 ranks in the National Guard and their corresponding salaries. We'll also discuss the factors that affect National Guard pay, including time in service, deployment, and education level.
National Guard Ranks and Salaries
The National Guard has 13 enlisted ranks and 11 officer ranks. The ranks are divided into three categories: junior enlisted, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and officers.
Junior Enlisted Ranks (E-1 to E-3)
These ranks are the entry-level positions in the National Guard. Junior enlisted personnel typically serve in support roles, such as administration, maintenance, and logistics.
- Private (E-1): $1,733.10 - $2,043.70 per month
- Private Second Class (E-2): $1,942.50 - $2,243.80 per month
- Private First Class (E-3): $2,043.70 - $2,543.90 per month
Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Ranks (E-4 to E-7)
NCOs are experienced enlisted personnel who serve as leaders and mentors to junior enlisted personnel.
- Specialist/Corporal (E-4): $2,368.90 - $3,173.40 per month
- Sergeant (E-5): $2,654.50 - $3,651.10 per month
- Staff Sergeant (E-6): $3,045.60 - $4,394.80 per month
- Sergeant First Class (E-7): $3,506.10 - $5,131.20 per month
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) Ranks (E-8 to E-9)
SNCOs are senior leaders who serve as advisors and mentors to junior officers.
- Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8): $4,046.80 - $5,841.60 per month
- Sergeant Major (E-9): $5,105.10 - $7,140.10 per month
Officer Ranks (O-1 to O-6)
Officers are leaders who serve in command and staff positions.
- Second Lieutenant (O-1): $3,287.10 - $4,606.10 per month
- First Lieutenant (O-2): $3,785.40 - $5,249.10 per month
- Captain (O-3): $4,441.90 - $6,258.80 per month
- Major (O-4): $5,202.40 - $7,722.80 per month
- Lieutenant Colonel (O-5): $6,312.40 - $9,359.80 per month
- Colonel (O-6): $7,712.40 - $11,456.80 per month
Factors Affecting National Guard Pay
Several factors can affect National Guard pay, including:
- Time in service: The longer you serve, the higher your pay will be.
- Deployment: Deployed personnel may receive hazardous duty pay, which can increase their salary.
- Education level: Personnel with higher education levels may be eligible for higher pay grades.
- Special skills: Personnel with specialized skills, such as language proficiency or technical expertise, may receive additional pay.
National Guard Pay Calculator
To estimate your National Guard pay, you can use a pay calculator. These calculators take into account your rank, time in service, and education level to provide an estimate of your monthly salary.
National Guard Benefits
In addition to pay, National Guard personnel are eligible for a range of benefits, including:
- Education assistance: The National Guard offers education assistance programs, such as the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Healthcare: National Guard personnel are eligible for healthcare through the Military Health System.
- Retirement: National Guard personnel are eligible for retirement benefits after 20 years of service.
- Home loan guarantees: The National Guard offers home loan guarantees to help personnel purchase homes.
Conclusion
The National Guard pay scale is based on rank and time in service, with higher ranks and more years of service corresponding to higher salaries. Factors such as deployment, education level, and special skills can also affect National Guard pay. In addition to pay, National Guard personnel are eligible for a range of benefits, including education assistance, healthcare, retirement, and home loan guarantees.
If you're considering joining the National Guard, we encourage you to research the pay scale and benefits in more detail. You can also speak with a recruiter or visit the National Guard website to learn more.
Gallery of National Guard Images
National Guard Image Gallery
How much does the National Guard pay?
+The National Guard pay scale varies based on rank and time in service. Junior enlisted personnel can earn between $1,733.10 and $2,543.90 per month, while senior officers can earn up to $11,456.80 per month.
What benefits does the National Guard offer?
+The National Guard offers a range of benefits, including education assistance, healthcare, retirement, and home loan guarantees.
How do I join the National Guard?
+To join the National Guard, you can visit the National Guard website or speak with a recruiter. You will need to meet the eligibility requirements, which include being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 35, and meeting the physical fitness standards.