GoArmy.com > Benefits > Money > Basic Pay: Active Duty Soldiers

Learn more about the bonuses, allowances and tax breaks that make up the complete Army pay package.

From Private to General, see the ranks and insignia Soldiers, Warrant Officers and Officers wear on their uniforms.

Learn how these two types of Soldiers are different, yet work together to create the world's strongest fighting force.

Active Duty Soldiers and activated Army Reserve Soldiers earn Basic Pay. Basic Pay is your base salary as a Soldier on Active Duty and it only counts for part of your total income. Basic Pay is distributed on the 1st and 15th of every month, similar to many civilian jobs.

Your Basic Pay as a Soldier depends on how long you've been in the Army and your Army rank (most enlisted Soldiers enter the Army as a Private). Your pay will increase as you climb in rank and years of experience.


Chart reflects Basic Pay only and does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits. Learn about total Army compensation.
Rank	Years of Army Experience
Rank	<2 Years	4 Years	6 Years
Private (E1)	$16,164**	—	—
Private (E2)	$18,118	—	—
Private First Class (E3)	$19,054	$21,477	—
Specialist or Corporal (E4)	$21,106	$24,573	$25,621
Sergeant (E5)	$23,025	$26,967	$28,861
Staff Sergeant (E6)	—	$30,052	$31,291

* Based on 2008 pay tables.

** Pay for Private (E1) will be slightly lower for the first four months of service.


Chart reflects Basic Pay only and does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits. Learn about total Army compensation.
Rank	Years of Army Experience
Rank	<2 Years	4 Years	6 Years
Second Lieutenant (O1)	$30,668	$38,581	—
First Lieutenant (O2)	$35,326	$47,908	$48,891
Captain (O3)	$40,888	$54,547	$57,157

* Based on 2008 pay tables.

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