How much does the US military make a year?
David Jones
Published Jan 18, 2026
E1s with less than two years experience earn an annual salary of $19,660. The wage is slightly lower for the first four months of service. However, basic pay is only the beginning of the Army’s total compensation package. If the assignment requires you to live off post, the Army has allowances for the cost of living.
How much does a US soldier earn?
Army Soldier Salary
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $50,000 | $4,166 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,500 | $2,958 |
| Average | $30,572 | $2,547 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 |
How much do the military get paid?
This is sometimes called “basic pay.” Everyone on active duty receives base pay. The amount depends on your rank, and how many years you’ve been in the military. For example, the lowest ranking enlisted member—someone in the paygrade of E-1—with less than two years of service, makes a base pay of $1,681 per month.
How much does the US military pay per month?
For those who do make E-4 with two years, pay will increase to $2,307 per month. Some service members will promote to the next rank after just one year at this paygrade — those who remain at the E-4 level will see a pay raise to $2,432 per month after spending three years in service. E-5: $32,136
How much does a general make in the Air Force?
A General receives a monthly basic pay salary starting at $0 per month, with raises up to $15,800 per month once they have served for over 20 years. In addition to basic pay, Generals may receive additional pay allowances for housing and food, as well as special incentive pay for hostile fire and dangerous duties.
How much does a general make in the Marine Corps?
In addition to basic pay, Generals may receive additional pay allowances for housing and food, as well as special incentive pay for hostile fire and dangerous duties. Including the most common pay allowances, the average total compensation for a General may range from $3,043.56 to $192,644.76 per year as of 2019.
How much does an army captain make per month?
Using the Army’s average promotion schedule, officers will achieve the next rank automatically after four years in the service. New captains and lieutenants, with four years of service, make $5,671 per month. At this rank, officers will receive pay raises every two years. O-4: $86,832
