Intro
Discover the Sergeant Major Marine Corps salary breakdown and explore the compensation structure for the highest enlisted rank in the USMC. Learn about the base pay, allowances, and benefits that comprise the total salary package for Sergeant Majors, including variables like time in service, time in grade, and family size.
Sergeant Major is the highest enlisted rank in the United States Marine Corps, and it comes with a significant amount of responsibility and respect. As a Sergeant Major, an individual has reached the pinnacle of enlisted leadership and is considered a senior enlisted advisor to commanders. With this rank comes a substantial salary, which is based on a combination of factors including time in service, time in grade, and the individual's level of education.
Sergeant Major Marine Corps Salary Breakdown
The salary for a Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps is based on the military pay chart, which is released annually by the Department of Defense. The pay chart takes into account the individual's time in service and time in grade, as well as their level of education.
Base Pay
The base pay for a Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps is the same as the base pay for all enlisted personnel in the military. The base pay is determined by the individual's pay grade, which is E-9 for a Sergeant Major. The base pay for a Sergeant Major is as follows:
- With less than 2 years of service: $5,472.90 per month
- With 2-3 years of service: $5,673.30 per month
- With 4-6 years of service: $6,054.90 per month
- With 7-10 years of service: $6,444.90 per month
- With 11-14 years of service: $6,835.90 per month
- With 15-18 years of service: $7,226.90 per month
- With 19-22 years of service: $7,622.90 per month
- With 23-26 years of service: $8,019.90 per month
- With 27-30 years of service: $8,417.90 per month
- With more than 30 years of service: $8,824.90 per month
Allowances
In addition to base pay, Sergeant Majors in the Marine Corps are also eligible for allowances, which are non-taxable payments that are intended to help offset the cost of living. The most common allowances are:
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): $369.39 per month
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): varies depending on location
- Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): varies depending on location
Bonuses
Sergeant Majors in the Marine Corps may also be eligible for bonuses, which are one-time payments that are intended to incentivize certain behaviors or career choices. The most common bonuses are:
- Reenlistment bonus: up to $90,000
- Critical skills retention bonus: up to $150,000
- Special duty pay: up to $1,000 per month
Other Benefits
In addition to salary and allowances, Sergeant Majors in the Marine Corps also receive a number of other benefits, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Education benefits
- Access to on-base facilities and services
Career Path to Sergeant Major
Becoming a Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps requires a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication. The typical career path to Sergeant Major is as follows:
- Enlist in the Marine Corps as a Private (E-1)
- Advance to Private First Class (E-2) after 12-18 months of service
- Advance to Lance Corporal (E-3) after 24-36 months of service
- Advance to Corporal (E-4) after 36-48 months of service
- Advance to Sergeant (E-5) after 48-60 months of service
- Advance to Staff Sergeant (E-6) after 60-72 months of service
- Advance to Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) after 72-84 months of service
- Advance to Master Sergeant (E-8) after 84-96 months of service
- Advance to Sergeant Major (E-9) after 96-108 months of service
Requirements to Become a Sergeant Major
To become a Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps, an individual must meet certain requirements, including:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 17 and 28
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Scoring a minimum of 31 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Completing boot camp and advanced training
- Having a minimum of 8 years of service in the Marine Corps
- Having a minimum of 2 years of service as a Master Sergeant (E-8)
- Being selected for promotion by a promotion board
Conclusion
Becoming a Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps is a significant achievement that requires a great deal of time, effort, and dedication. The salary for a Sergeant Major is substantial, and the benefits and allowances that come with the rank make it an attractive career choice for those who are willing to put in the work.
Sergeant Major Marine Corps Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the Sergeant Major rank in the Marine Corps, including the salary breakdown, career path, and requirements. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the section below.