US Army Commissioned Officers Pay Scale
The US Army commissioned officers' pay scale is influenced by a wide array of considerations. The size of a commissioned officer's paycheck depends on much more than their rank. The length of time the officer has served, where they are stationed, their skills and their assignment are all factors in their pay scale.
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Identification
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A commissioned officers' pay is primarily based on his rank. The Army designates commissioned officer ranks with the letter "O" for officer and a number. The number varies depending on the rank. A second lieutenant is an O-1, a first lieutenant is an O-2, a captain is an O-3, a major is an O-4, a lieutenant colonel is an O-5 , a colonel is an O-6, a brigadier general is an O-7, a major general is an O-8, a lieutenant general is an O-9 and a general is an O-10.
Time Frame
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The length of time that a commissioned officer has served is also a major factor in his pay scale. The paychecks of two officers of the same rank can differ by thousands of dollars every month if they were commissioned officers for significantly different lengths of time. Second lieutenants, First lieutenants and captains who served as warrant officers or enlisted personnel at least four years before getting their commission are paid more than other officers of the same rank. Once they are promoted to major, the pay differential disappears.
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Function
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Army commissioned officers are paid more for performing certain jobs. Imminent Danger Pay is given to commissioned officers serving in combat zones. A portion of that money is tax free. The deduction is limited to an amount equal to the highest current enlisted soldier's pay. Hazardous Duty Pay is given to commissioned officers who have hazardous jobs such as parachuting, flying and explosive handling. Speakers of foreign languages are eligible for up to $12,000 per year in foreign language proficiency pay.
Benefits
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Commissioned officers receive additional compensation for housing. Hardship duty pay is given to commissioned officers serving outside the continental United States. They may also be eligible for an overseas cost of living allowance if living outside the country costs more than in the U.S. A variable housing allowance is paid to commissioned officers who live in expensive areas of the continental United States.
Potential
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The pay scale for commissioned officers changes every year. Regular raises are built into the pay scale and different benefits are phased in and out on an irregular basis. The government posts the pay scale for commissioned officers for public view on the Department of Defense website.
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