Intro
Discover the Space Force salary structure by rank, including pay grades, allowances, and benefits. Learn how the US Space Force compensates its personnel, from enlistees to officers, and understand the factors that influence salary, such as time in service, rank, and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Explore the pay scales and advancement opportunities in the Space Force.
As the newest branch of the United States Armed Forces, the Space Force has been making headlines with its innovative approach to military operations. With its focus on space-based defense and security, the Space Force is attracting a new generation of service members who are eager to serve their country in a cutting-edge field. But have you ever wondered what kind of salary you can expect as a member of the Space Force? In this article, we'll break down the Space Force salary by rank, explaining the pay grades and what you can expect to earn.
The United States Space Force (USSF) is the sixth branch of the US military, established in December 2019. As a separate branch, the USSF has its own rank structure, pay grades, and salary scales. The Space Force uses the same pay grades as the US Air Force, with some adjustments to reflect the unique nature of space-based operations.
Space Force Rank Structure
The Space Force rank structure is similar to the US Air Force, with some modifications to reflect the branch's focus on space operations. The ranks are divided into three categories: Enlisted, Officer, and Warrant Officer.
Enlisted Ranks
Enlisted ranks in the Space Force range from Space Force Specialist 1 (Spc1) to Space Force Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt). The enlisted ranks are responsible for carrying out the day-to-day operations of the Space Force, including maintenance, communications, and security.
Officer Ranks
Officer ranks in the Space Force range from Second Lieutenant (2d Lt) to General (Gen). Officers in the Space Force are responsible for leading and commanding units, as well as developing and implementing strategy.
Warrant Officer Ranks
Warrant Officer ranks in the Space Force range from Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) to Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5). Warrant Officers in the Space Force are technical experts who provide specialized support to units.
Space Force Pay Grades
The Space Force uses a pay grade system to determine salary levels. The pay grades are divided into nine levels, ranging from E-1 to O-10. Each pay grade corresponds to a specific rank, and the salary levels increase as you move up the ranks.
Here is a breakdown of the Space Force pay grades and corresponding ranks:
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E-1: Space Force Specialist 1 (Spc1)
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E-2: Space Force Specialist 2 (Spc2)
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E-3: Space Force Specialist 3 (Spc3)
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E-4: Space Force Sergeant (Sgt)
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E-5: Space Force Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
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E-6: Space Force Technical Sergeant (TSgt)
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E-7: Space Force Master Sergeant (MSgt)
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E-8: Space Force Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt)
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E-9: Space Force Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt)
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O-1: Second Lieutenant (2d Lt)
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O-2: First Lieutenant (1st Lt)
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O-3: Captain (Capt)
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O-4: Major (Maj)
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O-5: Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)
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O-6: Colonel (Col)
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O-7: Brigadier General (Brig Gen)
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O-8: Major General (Maj Gen)
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O-9: Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)
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O-10: General (Gen)
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W-1: Warrant Officer 1 (WO1)
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W-2: Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2)
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W-3: Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3)
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W-4: Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4)
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W-5: Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5)
Space Force Salary by Rank
The Space Force salary by rank varies depending on the pay grade and time in service. Here is a breakdown of the average annual salary ranges for each rank:
- Enlisted Ranks:
- Spc1 (E-1): $20,000 - $25,000
- Spc2 (E-2): $25,000 - $30,000
- Spc3 (E-3): $30,000 - $35,000
- Sgt (E-4): $35,000 - $40,000
- SSgt (E-5): $40,000 - $45,000
- TSgt (E-6): $45,000 - $50,000
- MSgt (E-7): $50,000 - $55,000
- SMSgt (E-8): $55,000 - $60,000
- CMSgt (E-9): $60,000 - $65,000
- Officer Ranks:
- 2d Lt (O-1): $40,000 - $50,000
- 1st Lt (O-2): $50,000 - $60,000
- Capt (O-3): $60,000 - $70,000
- Maj (O-4): $70,000 - $80,000
- Lt Col (O-5): $80,000 - $90,000
- Col (O-6): $90,000 - $100,000
- Brig Gen (O-7): $100,000 - $120,000
- Maj Gen (O-8): $120,000 - $150,000
- Lt Gen (O-9): $150,000 - $180,000
- Gen (O-10): $180,000 - $200,000
- Warrant Officer Ranks:
- WO1 (W-1): $45,000 - $55,000
- CW2 (W-2): $55,000 - $65,000
- CW3 (W-3): $65,000 - $75,000
- CW4 (W-4): $75,000 - $85,000
- CW5 (W-5): $85,000 - $95,000
Note: These salary ranges are estimates and may vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and education level.
Space Force Benefits
In addition to salary, the Space Force offers a range of benefits to its service members, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Education assistance
- Housing allowance
- Food allowance
- Access to base facilities and services
Conclusion
The Space Force salary by rank is competitive with other branches of the military, and offers a range of benefits to its service members. Whether you're just starting out as an enlisted member or have reached the rank of General, the Space Force offers a rewarding career path with opportunities for advancement and professional growth.
Space Force Image Gallery
What is the starting salary for a Space Force enlistee?
+The starting salary for a Space Force enlistee is around $20,000 - $25,000 per year, depending on the pay grade and time in service.
What is the highest rank in the Space Force?
+The highest rank in the Space Force is General (O-10).
What benefits does the Space Force offer its service members?
+The Space Force offers a range of benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement benefits, education assistance, housing allowance, food allowance, and access to base facilities and services.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Space Force salary by rank, as well as the benefits and opportunities available to service members. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more, please don't hesitate to comment or share this article with others.