REVEALED: You Won’t Believe How Little Our Soldiers Are Paid!

The United States military, encompassing six branches and over 2.4 million active duty and reserve personnel, offers a structured pay system that rewards experience and rank. Each service member’s journey through the ranks is reflected in their paycheck, with salaries varying significantly based on their role and years of service. Let’s explore the pay scale across different ranks and positions in the U.S. military as of 2023.

A Helping Hand for Groceries

Regardless of rank or branch, most military personnel receive a monthly allowance to help cover the cost of groceries and other essentials. Enlisted members, for example, receive $420.14 per month for these needs. On the other hand, officers receive a smaller stipend of $266.18 per month.

Even military students, such as cadets or midshipmen at the nation’s five service academies, earn a monthly sum of $1,186, amounting to $14,232 annually. This stipend is a unique benefit compared to other college students across the country.

Starting at the Bottom: E-1 to E-4 Salaries

For those just beginning their military careers, the pay starts modestly. The lowest rank, E-1, includes privates, airman basics, and seaman recruits, who earn $1,650 per month in their first four months of service. As they gain experience, they climb to an E-2 rank, receiving $2,000.70 per month.

Upon reaching the E-3 rank, which includes positions like lance corporal and seaman, salaries depend on time served. Those with less than two years of experience earn $2,103.90 monthly, while those with more experience can make up to $2,371.80. E-4 members, such as corporals and petty officers third class, see their pay range from $2,330.40 to $2,829 monthly, depending on their years in service.

Mid-Level Enlisted: E-5 to E-7 Pay Grades

Climbing the ranks, E-5 service members, which include sergeants and staff sergeants, see a significant increase in their earnings. Their salaries range from $2,541.60 to $3,606.90 monthly, depending on their experience, potentially earning up to $43,282.80 annually after 12 years.

At the E-6 level, including positions like technical sergeants and petty officers first class, pay varies from $2,774.40 to $4,297.20 per month. E-7 ranks, such as master sergeants and chief petty officers, earn between $3,207.60 and $5,765.40 monthly, with the possibility of a $69,184.80 annual salary after 26 years of service.

Senior Enlisted and Warrant Officers: E-8 to W-5 Salaries

Service members at the E-8 level, like senior master sergeants and senior chief petty officers, see their salaries range from $4,614.60 to $6,581.40 per month, earning up to $78,976.80 annually with enough experience. E-9 personnel, including sergeant majors and master chief petty officers, can earn between $5,637 and $8,752.50 monthly, with those serving 38 years making over $100,000 annually.

Warrant officers, recognized for their technical expertise, also receive competitive pay. A W-1 starts at $3,309.30 and can earn up to $5,718.60 monthly. The highest warrant officer rank, W-5, earns between $8,296.20 and $10,856.40 monthly, with experienced W-5s earning over $130,000 annually.

Commissioned Officers: O-1 to O-10 Earnings

Commissioned officers, who hold leadership roles, see their pay increase substantially with rank and experience. An O-1, often a recent academy graduate, earns between $3,385.80 and $4,260.60 monthly. As officers move up to ranks like O-5 (lieutenant colonels or commanders), their pay can range from $5,951.40 to $10,111.20 monthly, potentially earning over $121,000 annually.

High-ranking officers, such as O-9s and O-10s, receive the highest military salaries. O-9s, including lieutenant generals and vice admirals, earn between $16,012.50 and $16,608.30 monthly. The top-ranking O-10s, such as generals and admirals, have their pay capped at $199,299.60 annually, reflecting their prestigious positions.

Specialized Military Roles and Their Salaries

In addition to rank-based pay, specialized roles within the military also come with high salaries. For instance, air traffic control managers earn an average of $97,360 annually, while supply and warehouse managers can make around $98,878. Training specialists, tasked with developing curriculums, earn significantly more, with an average salary of $124,193.

Other high-paying military positions include pharmacists ($137,992), computer programmers ($118,839), and social workers ($120,752). Unique roles like music composers ($126,026) and dental laboratory technicians ($158,901) also command impressive salaries due to their specialized skills.

Military service offers a diverse range of career paths, each with its own rewards and challenges. Whether starting as an enlisted member or advancing to a specialized officer role, the U.S. military compensates its service members well, reflecting the importance of their contributions to the nation’s defense.