How much does a U.S. military soldier earn monthly in 2025? Salary by rank explained
How much does a U.S. military soldier earn in 2025? Find out the monthly salary for enlisted personnel and officers, plus specialized pay rates and military benefits.
The United States military offers a structured salary system based on rank and years of service, ensuring that personnel are compensated according to their experience and responsibilities. In 2025, enlisted soldiers, officers, and specialized military professionals receive competitive salaries that increase with time served and promotions.
In addition to base pay, U.S. military members receive various benefits, including housing allowances, medical care, and bonuses for hazardous duty or specialized skills. Below is a detailed breakdown of monthly salaries by rank in 2025, along with information on eligibility requirements for enlisting.
Monthly Salaries for U.S. Military Personnel in 2025
Military salaries in the United States vary significantly based on rank and years of service. Below is a breakdown of the latest monthly earnings for service members:
- Cadets and Officer Candidates: Students at military academies receive a monthly stipend of $1,186, totaling $14,232 per year.
- Enlisted Personnel (E-1, Less than Four Months of Service): Entry-level service members, such as Army Privates and Recruits in other branches, earn $1,650 per month.
- E-2 Rank: Upon promotion to E-2, military personnel, including Seamen Apprentices and Privates Second Class, receive $2,000.70 per month.
- E-3 Rank: Service members at the E-3 level, such as Lance Corporals or Airmen First Class, earn between $2,103.90 and $2,371.80 per month, depending on their experience.
- E-4 Rank: Corporals and Specialists with over six years of service can earn up to $2,829 per month.
- E-5 Rank: Sergeants and Petty Officers Second Class in this category receive between $2,541.60 and $3,606.90 per month, totaling an annual salary exceeding $43,000.
Officer Salaries (O-1 to O-10)
- O-1 (Second Lieutenant, Ensign): Newly commissioned officers earn between $3,385.80 and $4,260.60 per month.
- O-6 (Colonel, Navy Captain): Monthly salaries range from $7,139.10 to $12,638.40, depending on service years.
- O-10 (General, Admiral – Highest Rank): Senior officers at this level have a base annual salary of $199,299.60.
U.S. military salary structure ensures fair compensation based on rank, experience, and specialization. Photo: AFP
Specialized Positions with Higher Salaries
Certain military careers offer significantly higher pay due to their specialized nature:
- Air Traffic Controllers, Nuclear Engineers, and Military Physicians earn between $77,000 and $158,000 per year, depending on their responsibilities and positions.
These salary figures do not include additional benefits such as housing allowances, combat pay, and bonuses, which further enhance overall compensation for military personnel.
What are the requirements to enter the United States Army?
The requirements to join the U.S. military vary by branch, but in general, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Citizenship: Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders). Additionally, they must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
- Age: The minimum enlistment age is 17 years old, and minors must have parental or legal guardian consent to join.
- Physical Fitness: Applicants must pass medical examinations and physical fitness tests specific to their chosen branch of service.
Meeting these basic requirements is the first step toward a career in the U.S. military.