US Army Enlisted Pay Scale

The United States Army uses a complex set of variables to determine their enlisted pay scale. A soldier's rank and how long they have been in the Army influences what they are paid. They are given allowances for housing, food and cost of living. They also get pay increases for serving in combat, in aircraft and hazardous duty.

Features

An enlisted United States Army soldier's rank is the first thing that determines her pay. Enlisted ranks are designated by the letter "E" for enlisted and a number indicating the specific rank. E-1 signifies a newly recruited Private without insignia, E-2 a one chevron Private, E-3 Private First Class, E-4 Corporal and Specialist, E-5 Sergeant, E-6 Staff Sergeant, E-7 Sergeant First Class, E-8 Master Sergeant and First Sergeant, E-9 Sergeant Major and Command Sergeant Major. The United States Army produces a pay chart every year with base salaries for each rank designation.

Time Frame

The longer an enlisted soldier serves in the United States Army the more the soldier is paid. Two enlisted personnel of the same rank can earn different amounts if one has been in the Army much longer than the other. The time frame adjustments range from an E-1 with less than 4 months service to an E-9 with more than 38 years of service. The difference can be significant. For example, an E-9 with 38 years of service earns in excess of $2,000 per month more than another E-9 with 12 years of experience.

Benefits

United States Army enlisted personnel serving in combat zones earn "imminent danger pay." This is several hundred dollars a month and is paid regardless of how long they spend in the combat zone that month. Enlisted personnel also get an additional tax benefit. Their income is excluded from taxable gross income while serving in a combat zone. Soldiers performing dangerous jobs get hazardous duty pay. This includes duties like handling bombs, flying and parachute jumping. Hazardous duty pay ranges from $150 to $225 per month. Foreign language proficiency pay is an annual bonus of up to $12,000. Special duty assignment pay is given to enlisted personnel with special skills. It ranges from $75 to $450 per month. Hardship duty pay is given to paid to soldiers serving outside the continental United States in areas where the quality of life is below American standards. It ranges from $50 to $150 per month.

Considerations

United States Army enlisted personnel are paid for living expenses. Those with dependents who live off base get a tax-free housing allowance. They also get a variable housing allowances if they live in areas of the continental United States with expensive housing. If they are based in another country, Alaska or Hawaii, they are eligible for an overseas cost of living allowance.

Potential

Pay for United States Army enlisted personnel is adjusted periodically. Some parts change every year while others after several years. Check the latest United States Army enlisted pay tables for the latest pay rates.

Resources

• US Army Enlisted Pay Scale