National Guard Salary Chart: 2023 Pay Grades Revealed

Serving in the National Guard is a significant commitment, requiring dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. In return, members of the National Guard receive a range of benefits, including a competitive salary, education assistance, and access to quality healthcare. For those considering a career in the National Guard, understanding the salary structure is essential. In this article, we will delve into the National Guard salary chart for 2023, exploring the various pay grades and what they mean for Guard members.

The National Guard uses a pay grade system to determine salaries, with nine enlisted pay grades (E-1 to E-9) and eleven officer pay grades (O-1 to O-10). The pay grade is based on the member's time in service, rank, and level of responsibility.

National Guard Enlisted Pay Grades

Enlisted personnel in the National Guard make up the majority of the force, with roles ranging from infantry and artillery to medical and administrative support. The enlisted pay grades are as follows:

E-1: Private (PVT) - $1,733.10 per month (Basic Pay)
E-2: Private Second Class (PV2) - $1,942.50 per month (Basic Pay)
E-3: Private First Class (PFC) - $2,043.70 per month (Basic Pay)
E-4: Specialist/Corporal (SPC/CPL) - $2,330.80 per month (Basic Pay)
E-5: Sergeant (SGT) - $2,664.30 per month (Basic Pay)
E-6: Staff Sergeant (SSG) - $3,055.80 per month (Basic Pay)
E-7: Sergeant First Class (SFC) - $3,485.80 per month (Basic Pay)
E-8: Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (MSG/1SG) - $4,062.60 per month (Basic Pay)
E-9: Sergeant Major (SGM) - $5,173.80 per month (Basic Pay)

National Guard Officer Pay Grades

Officer personnel in the National Guard are responsible for leading and managing teams, making key decisions, and providing strategic guidance. The officer pay grades are as follows:

O-1: Second Lieutenant (2LT) - $3,287.10 per month (Basic Pay)
O-2: First Lieutenant (1LT) - $3,788.70 per month (Basic Pay)
O-3: Captain (CPT) - $4,619.50 per month (Basic Pay)
O-4: Major (MAJ) - $5,555.30 per month (Basic Pay)
O-5: Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) - $6,857.30 per month (Basic Pay)
O-6: Colonel (COL) - $8,437.80 per month (Basic Pay)
O-7: Brigadier General (BG) - $10,218.80 per month (Basic Pay)
O-8: Major General (MG) - $12,267.30 per month (Basic Pay)
O-9: Lieutenant General (LTG) - $14,647.50 per month (Basic Pay)
O-10: General (GEN) - $17,278.30 per month (Basic Pay)

National Guard Drill Pay

In addition to their regular salary, National Guard members also receive drill pay for their weekend drills and annual training. Drill pay is based on the member's pay grade and the number of drills they attend.

E-1 to E-4: $231.60 per drill
E-5 to E-7: $266.60 per drill
E-8 to E-9: $302.80 per drill
O-1 to O-3: $411.40 per drill
O-4 to O-6: $525.40 per drill
O-7 and above: $639.50 per drill

National Guard Education Benefits

The National Guard offers a range of education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) and the National Guard Tuition Assistance Program. These benefits can help members pay for college, vocational training, and other educational expenses.

MGIB-SR: Up to $384 per month for education expenses
National Guard Tuition Assistance Program: Up to $4,500 per year for tuition expenses

National Guard Retirement Benefits

After 20 years of service, National Guard members are eligible for retirement benefits, including a pension and access to healthcare. The pension is based on the member's pay grade and years of service.

E-1 to E-4: $1,259.40 per month (pension)
E-5 to E-7: $1,455.30 per month (pension)
E-8 to E-9: $1,666.60 per month (pension)
O-1 to O-3: $2,026.80 per month (pension)
O-4 to O-6: $2,535.50 per month (pension)
O-7 and above: $3,064.20 per month (pension)

National Guard Healthcare Benefits

National Guard members and their families have access to quality healthcare through the Military Health System (MHS). The MHS offers a range of healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and pharmacy coverage.

Medical coverage: $0 to $300 per month (premium)
Dental coverage: $10 to $50 per month (premium)
Pharmacy coverage: $5 to $10 per prescription (copay)

Gallery of National Guard Benefits:

National Guard Benefits Image Gallery

FAQs:

How much do National Guard members get paid?

National Guard members receive a salary based on their pay grade, which ranges from E-1 to O-10. The salary ranges from $1,733.10 to $17,278.30 per month.

What are the National Guard education benefits?

The National Guard offers education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) and the National Guard Tuition Assistance Program. These benefits can help members pay for college, vocational training, and other educational expenses.

How do National Guard members receive healthcare benefits?

Now that you have a better understanding of the National Guard salary chart and benefits, you can make a more informed decision about joining the Guard. Remember to consider all the factors, including salary, education benefits, and healthcare benefits, when making your decision.