The pay in the army varies significantly depending on the country, rank, years of service, and specific roles or specialties. Here is a summary for both the U.S. Army and the British Army as of 2025:
U.S. Army Pay
- Enlisted Soldiers:
- Private (E1): Approximately $21,420 per year
- Private First Class (E3): Around $25,246 per year
- Corporal (E4): About $27,964 per year
- Sergeant (E5): Roughly $30,499 per year
- Staff Sergeant (E6): Around $33,292 per year
- Officers:
- Second Lieutenant (O1): About $40,629 per year
- First Lieutenant (O2): Approximately $46,814 per year
- Captain (O3): Around $54,176 per year
- Major (O4): Roughly $61,621 per year
- Additional Pay Elements:
- Specialty pay for certain Military Occupational Specialties (MOS)
- Bonuses, including enlistment bonuses up to $20,000
- Allowances for housing, food, and family support (non-taxable)
- Health benefits including medical and dental coverage
- Monthly Basic Pay Examples for 2025:
- E-1: $2,319 per month
- E-6 with 10+ years: $4,585.20 per month
- O-1: $3,998.40 per month
- O-4 with 10+ years: $9,075 per month
Basic pay increases with rank and years of service, and many soldiers receive additional compensation through allowances and bonuses
British Army Pay (in GBP)
- Soldiers:
- Recruits & Privates: £25,200 per year
- Lance Corporal: £32,615 per year
- Corporal: £37,861 per year
- Sergeant: £42,510 per year
- Officers:
- Officer cadets (training): £33,183 per year
- 2nd Lieutenant: £39,671 per year
- Lieutenant: £41,026 per year
- Captain: £50,540 per year
- Major: £63,387 per year
- Higher Ranks:
- Colonel: Around £107,000 to £117,000 per year depending on level
- Brigadier: Approximately £127,000 to £132,000 per year
The British Army also offers specialist roles with higher pay and annual pay rises
. In summary, army pay depends on rank, experience, and specialty, with enlisted soldiers starting at around $21,000 to £25,000 per year and officers earning significantly more, especially at senior levels. Additional allowances and bonuses can substantially increase total compensation.
