Earn valuable financial and educational benefits for your service, while embarking on a career path that has no limits.
See the Army Pay Scales
The pay charts below show the basic pay (base annual salary before bonuses) for enlisted Soldiers, Warrant Officers, and commissioned Officers, sorted by years of experience and rank.
- Active Duty: Soldiers who work in the Army full time
- Army Reserve & Army National Guard: Soldiers who work part time and are paid according to the hours that they’ve worked
| Rank | <2 Years Experience | 4 Years Experience | 6 Years Experience | 8 Years Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private (E1) | $24,206.40* | $24,206.40 | $24,206.40 | $24,206.40 |
| Private (E2) | $27,133.20 | $27,133.20 | $27,133.20 | $27,133.20 |
| Private First Class (E3) | $28,530.00 | $32,162.40 | $32,162.40 | $32,162.40 |
| Specialist or Corporal (E4) | $31,604.40 | $36,795.60 | $38,368.80 | $38,368.80 |
| Sergeant (E5) | $34,466.40 | $40,388.40 | $43,221.60 | $46,184.40 |
| Staff Sergeant (E6) | $37,627.20 | $45,010.80 | $46,857.60 | $51,030.00 |
| Rank | <2 Years Experience | 4 Years Experience | 6 Years Experience | 8 Years Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warrant Officer (WO1) | $44,877.60 | $53,755.20 | $56,998.80 | $61,779.60 |
| Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) | $51,130.80 | $58,478.40 | $61,790.40 | $66,942.00 |
| Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) | $57,787.20 | $63,468.00 | $66,052.80 | $71,146.80 |
| Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) | $63,277.20 | $71,935.20 | $75,247.20 | $78,523.20 |
| Rank | <2 Years Experience | 4 Years Experience | 6 Years Experience | 8 Years Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant (O1) | $45,914.40 | $57,776.40 | $57,776.40 | $57,776.40 |
| First Lieutenant (O2) | $52,902.00 | $71,737.20 | $73,209.60 | $73,209.60 |
| Captain (O3) | $61,225.20 | $81,673.20 | $85,593.60 | $89,888.40 |
| Major (O4) | $69,638.40 | $87,184.80 | $92,178.00 | $97,534.80 |
|
Rank
|
<2 Years Experience | 4 Years Experience | 6 Years Experience | 8 Years Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private (E1) | $3,899.92* | $3,899.92 |
$3,899.92 |
$3,899.92 |
| Private (E2) | $4,371.46 | $4,371.46 | $4,371.46 | $4,371.46 |
| Private First Class (E3) | $4,596.50 | $5,181.72 | $5,181.72 | $5,181.72 |
| Specialist or Corporal (E4) | $5,091.82 | $5,928.18 | $6,181.64 | $6,181.64 |
| Sergeant (E5) | $5,552.92 | $6,507.02 | $6,963.48 | $7,440.82 |
| Staff Sergeant (E6) | $6,062.16 | $7,251.74 | $7,549.28 | $8,221.50 |
| Rank | <2 Years Experience | 4 Years Experience | 6 Years Experience | 8 Years Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warrant Officer (WO1) | $7,230.28 | $8,660.56 | $9,183.14 | $9,953.38 |
| Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) | $8,237.74 | $9,421.52 | $9,955.12 | $10,785.10 |
| Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) | $9,310.16 | $10,225.40 | $10,641.84 | $11,462.54 |
| Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) | $10,194.66 | $11,589.56 | $12,123.16 | $12,650.96 |
Part-Time Commissioned Officer Pay
This table shows the annual drill pay for Army Reserve or Army National Guard (part-time) commissioned Officers, and does not include bonuses, allowances, or other benefits. Based on 2024 pay tables (includes two weeks of training each year and one weekend per month).
| Rank | <2 Years Experience | 4 Years Experience | 6 Years Experience | 8 Years Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant (O1) | $7,397.32 | $9,308.42 | $9,308.42 | $9,308.42 |
| First Lieutenant (O2) | $8,523.10 | $11,557.66 | $11,794.88 | $11,794.88 |
| Captain (O3) | $9,864.06 | $13,158.46 | $13,790.08 | $14,482.02 |
| Major (O4) | $11,219.52 | $14,046.44 | $14,850.90 | $15,713.94 |
Earn More Than Your Salary
The Army provides bonuses, military allowances, and other benefits to help you earn more and offset the cost of living, so more of your paycheck stays in your pocket.
BONUSES WHEN YOU JOIN
Bonuses are a great way for Soldiers to increase their pay. There are a variety of bonus opportunities including Quick Ship Bonus for reporting to Basic Training within 30 days of enlistment, as well as different job-specific enlistment bonuses.BONUSES
HOUSING & HOME LOANS
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is given to full-time U.S.-based Soldiers when housing is not provided on base. The amount is based on location, rank, and family status. The Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) is also available to Soldiers based outside of the U.S. Plus, everyone who joins has access to better loans for buying or maintaining homes off base. HOME LOANS
NO OR LOW COST HEALTH CARE
Comprehensive, quality coverage, for all Soldiers and their families, at no cost for those serving full-time and low costs for part-time service. HEALTH CARE
FREE EDUCATION & TRAINING
The Army offers programs to everyone who joins to help pay for four-year college, graduate school, licensing and certification courses, entrepreneurship training, and more. EDUCATION AND TRAINING
MEALS & FOOD ALLOWANCE
The Army provides meals at dining facilities for enlisted Soldiers, at no cost. The Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is a stipend of more than $250 per month provided to commissioned Officers, and to enlisted Soldiers who don’t have access to Army dining facilities, to pay for food off base. In many cases, those who receive BAS can choose to pay for meals at Army dining facilities.
ALLOWANCE FOR UNIFORMS
Enlisted Soldiers receive an annual clothing allowance to replace uniforms and uniform decorations.
Common Questions
How does an Army base salary compare to pay in the private-sector?
When you consider affordable health care for part-time Soldiers and free health care for full-time Soldiers, plus access to bonuses, allowances for housing, food, and clothing, opportunities to get a college degree without incurring debt, and more financial benefits, the Army offers a more competitive choice to similar civilian careers. Your Army base salary is just one part of the total compensation Soldiers receive. While civilian jobs may pay higher base salaries, the Army offers a starting salary above the federal minimum wage for a 40-hour work week, 30 days paid leave every year, plus a variety of benefits on top of your base pay that add up.
What is special pay? How else can I earn money in the Army?
Special pay is additional monthly and/or annual pay given to eligible active-duty Soldiers who perform certain specific duties, serve in specific geographic locations, work in various jobs called Military Occupation Specialties (MOS), or are given certain specific assignments. Along with special pay, you can earn bonuses for doing things like heading to Basic Training earlier or taking certain jobs.
What are the differences in Army basic pay and benefits for serving full-time versus serving part-time?
When you serve full-time in Active Duty Army and when you serve part-time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard, you have access to the same comprehensive benefits the Army provides to all Soldiers. The pay differs based on years of experience and rank. See the pay charts above for details.
What are the differences in Army basic pay and benefits for enlisted Soldiers, Warrant Officers, and commissioned Officers?
All Soldiers, including enlisted, Warrant Officers, and commissioned Officers, have access to the same comprehensive Army benefits. The pay for all three Army paths differs depending on which path you choose and whether you’re full-time (Active Duty), or part-time (Army Reserve or Army National Guard). See the pay charts above for details.
Don't worry, there's no obligation if you reach out.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.