Serving in the military is a life-changing experience. It’s a chance to develop leadership skills, travel the world, and be part of something bigger than yourself. But let’s be honest, financial security is important too. So, how much do our military heroes bring home each year? Let’s salute the ranks and explore their salaries!
Private: E-1
As a fresh recruit, you start as a Private, the foundation of the military. In this position, you learn the ropes, develop discipline, and complete essential tasks. Your starting salary of around $20,748 annually reflects your training status.
Private First Class: E-3
Private First Class soldiers, often recognized for their leadership potential and technical skills, see their yearly pay jump to roughly $28,530 – $32,162. In this position, they take on a supervisory role within their squads, helping to train and mentor newer Privates.
Specialist: E-4
Specialists are the technical backbone of the military. They include mechanics who keep vehicles battle-ready, medics who provide critical care, cybersecurity experts who safeguard sensitive information, and communications specialists. No wonder their valuable skill sets are vital for mission success. Their annual pay reflects that, averaging around $31,604.
Sergeants: E-5
At the heart of any military unit, sergeants coach small teams of soldiers, providing technical expertise and ensuring the smooth execution of orders. During combat operations, sergeants lead from the front, motivating their soldiers. Earning around $33,492 annually, these leaders are also technical experts in their field, adept at troubleshooting issues, maintaining equipment, and providing tactical guidance.
Staff Sergeants: E-6
With a yearly salary averaging around $39,213, Staff Sergeants are the bridge between Sergeants and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs). Typically managing squads or sections of 9-16 soldiers, they ensure proper training, discipline, and overall welfare of these soldiers. Also, they keep the flow of information running smoothly within their units.
First Sergeant: E-8
Military service members with at least eight years of experience can reach the E-8 pay grade. This right-hand man (or woman) to the company commander oversees the administrative tasks. These seasoned NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) earn a yearly salary that ranges from approximately $62,579 to $89,248, reflecting their valuable contributions to the team.
Warrant Officer: W-1
A Warrant Officer, ranking above a sergeant but below a lieutenant, serves as a subject matter expert in aviation, cybersecurity, communications, and other technical areas. Their expertise is invaluable; they only make up about 3% of the Army. Starting at a pay of about $44,848, this position commands respect and offers unique challenges.
Doctors
These highly trained medical professionals hold commissioned officer ranks. Even though they are not enlisted soldiers, they are leaders within the Army Medical Corps (AMC). Their primary function is to provide vital medical care to soldiers on military bases and deployed in combat zones, with a salary range of $62,424 to $180,741.
Second Lieutenant: O-1
To become a Second Lieutenant, candidates must complete a bachelor’s degree, pass a physical fitness test, and undergo OCS training, which instills leadership skills and military knowledge. Stepping into the world of military leadership, Second Lieutenants supervise small units of soldiers, gaining vital experience in tactics and troop movement. They earn around $45,914 annually.
Captain: O-3
The path to Captain typically takes four to six years of service in the military, depending on factors like education and performance. Captains command units of roughly 100-200 soldiers, and their responsibilities extend beyond combat. Depending on location and duty station, they may also receive housing allowances, other benefits, and a salary between $61,225 and $99,612.
Major: O-4
Classified as field officers, Majors are the bridge between strategic planning and on-the-ground execution. For qualified and experienced captains, achieving the position of Major in the Army is possible after eight to twelve years of service. On average, they make $69,638 to $116,269 per year.
Colonel: O-6
If one notices, the insignia Colonels wore in the US Army is a distinctive eagle. It is a clear visual indicator of their higher rank status within the officer ranks. Interestingly, the eagle signifies the increased responsibility and authority entrusted to them. They are reimbursed somewhere between $96,815 to $171,389 for their increased responsibility.
Major General: O-8
Once appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, Major Generals can hold their position for up to four years, with the possibility of extensions in exceptional circumstances. While their primary focus is on strategic planning and leading large divisions, Major Generals may participate in overseeing combat operations from a command center. Their pay starts from $153,644 per annum.
Lieutenant General: O-9
Lieutenant Generals, the elite of the officer corps, hold the second-highest achievable rank within the US Army. Making a distinguished annual salary of approximately $180,741, these officers play a pivotal role, typically serving as corps commanders.
General Of The Army: O-10
Finally, we reach the pinnacle of military careers: General Of The Army. This prestigious title has been held by only five individuals since World War II. Their annual salary is equivalent to that of a Cabinet Secretary, currently around $221,400. In wartime, Generals of the Army handle entire theaters of operation, coordinating the actions of multiple armies and ensuring the success of large-scale military campaigns.
