Intro
Discover the top 5 ways to earn a high salary in the Army, including specialized career paths, bonuses, and education opportunities. Learn how to maximize your military pay and benefits, from special pay allowances to enlistment incentives, and take your Army career to the next level with high-paying roles and skills.
Joining the army can be a life-changing decision that not only serves as a way to give back to your country but also provides a stable and lucrative career path. While the salaries for army personnel may vary based on rank, time in service, and job specialty, there are certain ways to maximize your earnings and take home a significant paycheck. Here are five ways to earn major pay in the army:
1. Choose a High-Paying Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
The army offers a wide range of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), each with its own unique responsibilities and pay scales. Some MOSs, such as those in the medical, dental, and veterinary fields, tend to pay more than others. For example, a Army Doctor (MOS 62) can earn a basic pay of over $100,000 per year, while a Dental Officer (MOS 63) can earn upwards of $150,000 per year.
Here are some high-paying MOSs in the army:
- Army Doctor (MOS 62): $100,000 - $200,000 per year
- Dental Officer (MOS 63): $150,000 - $250,000 per year
- Veterinarian (MOS 64): $120,000 - $220,000 per year
- Pilot (MOS 15): $80,000 - $180,000 per year
- Cyber Operations Specialist (MOS 17): $70,000 - $150,000 per year
How to Choose a High-Paying MOS
To choose a high-paying MOS, you'll need to consider your skills, education, and experience. Research the different MOSs available and their corresponding pay scales. You can also speak with a recruiter or career counselor to determine which MOSs are in high demand and offer the best compensation packages.
2. Advance in Rank
Advancing in rank is one of the most effective ways to increase your pay in the army. As you move up the ranks, you'll not only receive a pay increase but also gain more responsibility and leadership opportunities.
Here's a breakdown of the typical pay scales for different ranks in the army:
- Private (E-1): $18,000 - $20,000 per year
- Specialist/Corporal (E-4): $25,000 - $35,000 per year
- Sergeant (E-5): $30,000 - $45,000 per year
- Staff Sergeant (E-6): $40,000 - $60,000 per year
- Sergeant First Class (E-7): $50,000 - $80,000 per year
- Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8): $60,000 - $100,000 per year
- Sergeant Major (E-9): $80,000 - $120,000 per year
How to Advance in Rank
To advance in rank, you'll need to meet the army's promotion requirements, which typically include time in service, performance evaluations, and completion of professional military education (PME) courses. You can also seek out additional training and certifications to increase your chances of promotion.
3. Get Special Pay
The army offers various forms of special pay to incentivize soldiers to take on hazardous duties, work in high-stress environments, or possess specialized skills. These forms of pay can significantly increase your take-home pay and include:
- Hazardous Duty Pay: $150 - $500 per month
- Hostile Fire Pay: $225 - $500 per month
- Jump Pay: $150 - $500 per month
- Dive Pay: $150 - $500 per month
- Language Pay: $100 - $500 per month
- Special Duty Pay: $100 - $500 per month
How to Get Special Pay
To get special pay, you'll need to meet the army's eligibility requirements, which typically include completing specialized training or taking on hazardous duties. You can speak with your unit's personnel officer or a career counselor to determine which forms of special pay you're eligible for.
4. Take Advantage of Education Benefits
The army offers various education benefits to help soldiers pursue higher education and increase their earning potential. These benefits include:
- GI Bill: Up to $23,672 per year for tuition and fees
- Tuition Assistance: Up to $4,500 per year for tuition and fees
- Student Loan Repayment: Up to $65,000 in loan forgiveness
- Education Assistance: Up to $2,000 per year for education expenses
How to Take Advantage of Education Benefits
To take advantage of education benefits, you'll need to meet the army's eligibility requirements, which typically include being on active duty or in the reserves. You can speak with your unit's education officer or a career counselor to determine which benefits you're eligible for and how to apply.
5. Pursue Certifications and Licenses
Pursuing certifications and licenses can increase your earning potential and make you more competitive in the job market. The army offers various certifications and licenses, including:
- IT certifications: CompTIA A+, Cisco CCNA, etc.
- Medical certifications: EMT-B, CNA, etc.
- Language certifications: DLPT, language proficiency tests, etc.
- Professional certifications: PMP, Six Sigma, etc.
How to Pursue Certifications and Licenses
To pursue certifications and licenses, you'll need to meet the army's eligibility requirements, which typically include completing specialized training or having relevant work experience. You can speak with your unit's training officer or a career counselor to determine which certifications and licenses are available and how to apply.
Army Pay and Benefits Image Gallery
In conclusion, joining the army can be a lucrative career path, but it requires careful planning and strategy to maximize your earnings. By choosing a high-paying MOS, advancing in rank, getting special pay, taking advantage of education benefits, and pursuing certifications and licenses, you can significantly increase your take-home pay and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.