5 Military Pay Scales

Introduction to Military Pay Scales

The military pay scale is a system used to determine the salary of military personnel based on their rank and time in service. The pay scale is divided into several categories, including enlisted personnel, warrant officers, and commissioned officers. In this article, we will explore the five main military pay scales, including the benefits and allowances that come with each.

Understanding the Military Pay Scale System

The military pay scale system is based on a combination of factors, including the individual’s rank, time in service, and job specialty. The system is designed to provide a fair and equitable salary for all military personnel, regardless of their branch of service or job assignment. The pay scale is typically adjusted annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and other factors.

Enlisted Pay Scale (E-1 to E-9)

The enlisted pay scale is the largest of the five military pay scales, with nine grades ranging from E-1 (Private) to E-9 (Sergeant Major). Enlisted personnel typically enter the military at the E-1 grade and can advance to higher grades based on their performance, time in service, and completion of specialized training. The enlisted pay scale is as follows:

Grade	Rank	Monthly Salary
E-1	Private	1,733.40</td> </tr> <tr> <td>E-2</td> <td>Private Second Class</td> <td>1,942.50
E-3	Private First Class	2,105.70</td> </tr> <tr> <td>E-4</td> <td>Specialist/Corporal</td> <td>2,365.40
E-5	Sergeant	2,746.50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>E-6</td> <td>Staff Sergeant</td> <td>3,116.40
E-7	Sergeant First Class	3,504.90</td> </tr> <tr> <td>E-8</td> <td>Master Sergeant/First Sergeant</td> <td>4,236.60
E-9	Sergeant Major	$5,052.60

📝 Note: These salaries are based on the 2022 military pay scale and do not include additional forms of compensation, such as allowances and bonuses.

Warrant Officer Pay Scale (W-1 to W-5)

The warrant officer pay scale is a separate pay scale for warrant officers, who are technical experts in their field. Warrant officers typically enter the military as enlisted personnel and are selected for warrant officer training based on their technical expertise and leadership potential. The warrant officer pay scale is as follows:

Grade	Rank	Monthly Salary
W-1	Warrant Officer 1	3,287.10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>W-2</td> <td>Chief Warrant Officer 2</td> <td>3,763.40
W-3	Chief Warrant Officer 3	4,314.30</td> </tr> <tr> <td>W-4</td> <td>Chief Warrant Officer 4</td> <td>4,935.60
W-5	Chief Warrant Officer 5	$5,677.40

Commissioned Officer Pay Scale (O-1 to O-10)

The commissioned officer pay scale is the highest of the five military pay scales, with ten grades ranging from O-1 (Second Lieutenant) to O-10 (General). Commissioned officers typically enter the military through a service academy or by completing a commissioning program, such as Officer Candidate School. The commissioned officer pay scale is as follows:

Grade	Rank	Monthly Salary
O-1	Second Lieutenant	3,287.10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>O-2</td> <td>First Lieutenant</td> <td>3,787.40
O-3	Captain	4,399.50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>O-4</td> <td>Major</td> <td>5,176.60
O-5	Lieutenant Colonel	6,112.40</td> </tr> <tr> <td>O-6</td> <td>Colonel</td> <td>7,131.20
O-7	Brigadier General	8,264.80</td> </tr> <tr> <td>O-8</td> <td>Major General</td> <td>9,542.40
O-9	Lieutenant General	10,938.60</td> </tr> <tr> <td>O-10</td> <td>General</td> <td>12,475.80

Additional Forms of Compensation

In addition to their base salary, military personnel may be eligible for a variety of additional forms of compensation, including:

• Bachelor’s Allowance (BAH): a monthly allowance to help offset the cost of housing
• Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): a monthly allowance to help offset the cost of food
• Special Duty Pay: a monthly allowance for personnel assigned to special duty positions, such as flight pay or hazardous duty pay
• Bonuses: one-time payments for achieving specific milestones, such as completing a difficult training program or reenlisting

In summary, the military pay scale is a complex system that takes into account a variety of factors, including rank, time in service, and job specialty. By understanding the different pay scales and additional forms of compensation, military personnel can better plan their careers and make informed decisions about their financial future.