Just like your civilian job, the Army Reserve pays you for your hard work. What’s more, unlike most civilian jobs, the Army pays out thousands of dollars in bonuses.
What's the Pay Like?
Your wages will increase when you climb in rank and years of experience.
Drill Pay For Army Reserve Soldiers*
Pay is based on two weeks of training each year and one weekend each month. The chart below reflects Drill Pay only and does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits.
Years of Army Experience
| Rank | <2 Years | 4 Years | 6 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private (E1) | $3,081** | — | —
|
| Private (E2) | $3,454 | $3,454 | $3,454 |
| Private First Class (E3) | $3,632 | $3,632 | $4,094 |
| Specialist or Corporal (E4) | $4,023 | $4,684 | $4,884
|
| Sergeant (E5) | $4,388 | $5,141 | $5,502
|
| Staff Sergeant (E6) | $4,790 | $5,729 | $5,965
|
*Based on 2012 pay tables.
**Pay for Private (E1) will be slightly lower for first four months of service.
Drill Pay For Army Reserve Officers*
Pay is based on two weeks of training each year and one weekend each month. The chart below reflects Drill Pay only and does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits.
Years of Army Experience
| Rank | <2 Years | 4 Years | 6 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant (O1) | $5,225 | $7,354 | $7,354 |
| First Lieutenant (O2) | $6,734 | $9,132 | $9,320
|
| Captain (O3) | $7,794 | $10,397 | $10,895 |
| Major (O4) | $8,865 | $11,099 | $11,735 |
*Based on 2012 pay tables.
Bonuses: Extra Earning Money
You have many opportunities to earn extra money in the Army Reserve. These include one-time bonuses that reward Army Reserve Soldiers who possess certain civilian skills and education or complete special Army Reserve training. Talk to a local recruiter to find out which bonuses you qualify for.
ARMY RESERVE ENLISTMENT BONUS
Qualified non-prior service applicants who enlist for six years in the Army Reserve are eligible for up to $20,000 in enlistment bonuses.
CIVILIAN SKILLS BONUS
Qualified Army Reserve applicants who already have civilian skills that the Army Reserve needs and enlist in a critical skill specialty for 6 years may be eligible for bonus of up to $20,000 through the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program (ACASP).
OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL BONUS
A bonus may be available to Army Reserve Officer Candidate School and Warrant Officer candidates in specific areas of concentration.
MIDDLE EASTERN TRANSLATOR AIDE BONUS
The Middle Eastern Translator Aide (MOS 09L) enlistment bonus is $20,000 for eligible individuals who speak certain Middle-Eastern languages and enlist as 09L in the U.S. Army Selected Reserve.
Army Reserve Chaplain Bonus
If you enter the Army Reserve to serve six years as a Reserve Troop Program Unit Chaplain you may be eligible for a bonus of up to $10,000. The bonus is payable following the completion of the Chaplain Officer Basic Course, which must be completed within 36 months of commissioning.
ALLOWANCES: COVERING THE COST OF LIVING
In addition to salary and bonuses, the Army provides for housing, meals and uniforms for Army Reserve Soldiers on Active Duty status.
NOTE: Bonus amounts, eligibility criteria and qualifying Military Occupational Specialties change frequently. Contact your local Recruiter to find out what the current bonuses are and which you may qualify for.
