US Army Salary: A Complete Guide to Military Pay

The United States Army offers a structured pay scale that varies based on rank, years of service, and assigned duties. Understanding the salary structure is essential for those considering a career in the Army or seeking information on military compensation. This guide covers rank-wise salaries, different sectors of the Army, and additional benefits provided to soldiers.


US Army Rank-Wise Salary (Update)

The Army follows a structured pay scale based on the Basic Pay set by the Department of Defense. Below is the rank-wise base salary table for enlisted soldiers and officers.

Enlisted Soldiers (E-1 to E-9) Monthly Basic Pay

RankYears of Service (0-2)2-4 Years4-6 Years10+ Years
E-1 (Private)$1,917$1,917$1,917$1,917
E-2 (Private 2)$2,149$2,149$2,149$2,149
E-3 (Private First Class)$2,259$2,403$2,545$2,545
E-4 (Specialist/Corporal)$2,503$2,631$2,774$3,056
E-5 (Sergeant)$2,730$3,049$3,345$3,813
E-6 (Staff Sergeant)$3,040$3,502$3,863$4,868
E-7 (Sergeant First Class)$3,544$4,160$4,922$6,038
E-8 (Master Sergeant)$4,480$5,223$5,808$7,285
E-9 (Sergeant Major)$5,637$6,136$7,057$9,189

Officer Ranks (O-1 to O-10) Monthly Basic Pay

RankYears of Service (0-2)2-4 Years4-6 Years10+ Years
O-1 (Second Lieutenant)$3,637$4,093$4,637$5,374
O-2 (First Lieutenant)$4,190$4,862$5,369$6,663
O-3 (Captain)$4,849$5,815$6,489$8,050
O-4 (Major)$5,516$6,892$7,805$9,997
O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel)$6,393$8,036$9,163$11,787
O-6 (Colonel)$7,876$9,965$11,212$14,470
O-7 (Brigadier General)$9,144$10,383$12,812$15,986
O-8 (Major General)$10,399$11,988$14,165$18,005
O-9 (Lieutenant General)$16,444$16,444$16,444$16,444
O-10 (General)$17,675$17,675$17,675$17,675

US Army Sector-Wise Salary Breakdown

The Army consists of various specialized sectors, each offering different pay scales based on experience and responsibilities.

Combat and Infantry

  • Infantry Soldier: $2,500 – $6,500 per month
  • Special Forces: $3,500 – $10,000 per month
  • Snipers: $3,200 – $8,500 per month

Medical Corps

  • Army Doctor: $6,000 – $15,000 per month
  • Army Nurse: $4,000 – $8,000 per month
  • Combat Medic: $3,500 – $7,500 per month

Engineering & Technical Roles

  • Army Engineer: $4,000 – $9,000 per month
  • Cybersecurity Specialist: $4,500 – $10,000 per month
  • Army Pilot: $5,000 – $12,000 per month

Logistics and Support

  • Supply Chain Officer: $3,500 – $8,000 per month
  • Transportation Specialist: $3,000 – $7,500 per month
  • Military Police: $3,200 – $7,000 per month

Additional Pay and Benefits in the US Army

In addition to basic pay, Army personnel receive various allowances and benefits:

Allowances

  • Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): Covers housing costs for soldiers living off base.
  • Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): Covers food expenses.
  • Hazard Pay: Additional compensation for deployment in combat zones.
  • Flight Pay: For Army pilots and aviation personnel.

Special Pay and Bonuses

  • Reenlistment Bonuses (up to $90,000 for specific roles)
  • Special Duty Pay (for unique assignments)
  • Incentive Pay (for hazardous duties like parachuting and diving)

Benefits

  • Free healthcare for active-duty personnel
  • Tuition assistance for higher education
  • Retirement benefits after 20 years of service
  • Life insurance coverage

The US Army offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits for enlisted personnel, officers, and specialized roles. Compensation increases with rank, years of service, and additional duty incentives. Those considering a career in the Army can expect stable earnings, healthcare, housing allowances, and retirement benefits.