BASIC PAY: ACTIVE DUTY SOLDIERS
THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR SALARY PACKAGE
Active duty Soldiers and activated Army Reserve Soldiers earn Army Basic Pay. Basic Pay is your base salary as a Soldier on active duty and it counts only
as part of your total income. It is distributed on the 1st and 15th of every month, similar to many civilian jobs.
HOW'S THE MONEY?
Your Army Basic Pay as a Soldier depends on how long you’ve been in the Army and your Army rank (most enlisted Soldiers enter the Army as a private). Your Army base pay will increase as you climb in rank and years of experience.
BASIC PAY FOR ACTIVE DUTY SOLDIERS*
Chart reflects Basic Pay only and does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits. Learn about
total Army compensation.
Rank
| <2 Years Experience | 4 Years Experience | 6 Years Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private (E1) | $17,892** | — | — |
| Private (E2) | $20,056 | $20,056 | $20,056 |
| Private First Class(E3) | $21,089 | $23,774 | $23,774 |
| Specialist or Corporal (E4) | $23,360 | $27,198 | $28,357 |
| Sergeant (E5) | $25,489 | $29,851 | $31,946 |
| Staff Sergeant (E6) | $27,814 | $33,268 | $34,636 |
*Based on 2012 pay tables.
**Pay for Private (E1) will be slightly lower for the first four months of service.
BASIC PAY FOR ACTIVE DUTY OFFICERS*
Chart reflects Basic Pay only and does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits. Learn about
total Army compensation.
Rank
| <2 Years Experience | 4 Years Experience | 6 Years Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant (O1) | $33,941 | $42,703 | $42,703 |
| First Lieutenant (O2) | $39,103 | $53,024 | $54,115 |
| Captain (O3) | $45,256 | $60,372 | $63,263 |
| Major (O4) | $51,473 | $64,447 | $68,137 |
*Based on 2012 pay tables.
