Unlock the financial details of a prestigious career in the US Marine Corps. Discover the salary ranges for each rank, from Private to General, and learn how factors like time-in-service and family size impact take-home pay. Get an insiders look at the compensation and benefits package that comes with serving in the USMC.
As one of the most prestigious and respected branches of the US Armed Forces, the Marine Corps offers a unique and rewarding career for those who are willing to serve and defend their country. One of the most important factors to consider when joining the Marine Corps is the salary and benefits package. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the US Marine Corps salary by rank, including the basic pay, allowances, and special pays.
Understanding Marine Corps Ranks
Before we dive into the salary structure, it's essential to understand the ranking system in the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps has a total of 13 enlisted ranks and 10 officer ranks. Enlisted ranks range from Private (E-1) to Sergeant Major (E-9), while officer ranks range from Second Lieutenant (O-1) to General (O-10).
Basic Pay
The basic pay for Marines is based on their rank and time in service. The basic pay chart is as follows:
Note: The basic pay chart is subject to change, and the figures above are based on the 2022 pay chart.
Allowances
In addition to basic pay, Marines are also eligible for various allowances, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): This allowance is provided to Marines who are not living in government-provided housing.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): This allowance is provided to Marines to help cover the cost of food.
- Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): This allowance is provided to Marines who are stationed in areas with a high cost of living.
Special Pays
Marines may also be eligible for special pays, including:
- Hazardous Duty Pay: This pay is provided to Marines who perform hazardous duties, such as parachute duty or diving duty.
- Jump Pay: This pay is provided to Marines who are qualified parachutists.
- Dive Pay: This pay is provided to Marines who are qualified divers.
- Submarine Duty Pay: This pay is provided to Marines who are assigned to submarine duty.
US Marine Corps Salary by Rank
Here is a breakdown of the US Marine Corps salary by rank, including basic pay, allowances, and special pays:
Enlisted Ranks
- Private (E-1):
- Basic pay: $1,733.10 per month
- BAH: $821.50 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $2,923.99 per month
- Private First Class (E-2):
- Basic pay: $1,942.50 per month
- BAH: $943.30 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $3,254.19 per month
- Lance Corporal (E-3):
- Basic pay: $2,043.70 per month
- BAH: $1,064.10 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $3,476.19 per month
- Corporal (E-4):
- Basic pay: $2,244.90 per month
- BAH: $1,185.90 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $3,799.19 per month
- Sergeant (E-5):
- Basic pay: $2,541.60 per month
- BAH: $1,307.70 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $4,218.69 per month
- Staff Sergeant (E-6):
- Basic pay: $2,944.40 per month
- BAH: $1,429.50 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $4,742.29 per month
- Gunnery Sergeant (E-7):
- Basic pay: $3,403.80 per month
- BAH: $1,551.30 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $5,323.49 per month
- Master Sergeant (E-8):
- Basic pay: $3,864.40 per month
- BAH: $1,673.10 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $5,906.89 per month
- First Sergeant (E-8):
- Basic pay: $4,014.90 per month
- BAH: $1,794.50 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $6,178.79 per month
- Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9):
- Basic pay: $4,315.10 per month
- BAH: $1,916.90 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $6,601.39 per month
- Sergeant Major (E-9):
- Basic pay: $4,566.20 per month
- BAH: $2,039.30 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $6,974.89 per month
Officer Ranks
- Second Lieutenant (O-1):
- Basic pay: $3,287.10 per month
- BAH: $1,821.10 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $5,477.59 per month
- First Lieutenant (O-2):
- Basic pay: $3,619.50 per month
- BAH: $2,044.50 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $6,033.39 per month
- Captain (O-3):
- Basic pay: $4,136.40 per month
- BAH: $2,273.90 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $6,779.69 per month
- Major (O-4):
- Basic pay: $4,703.30 per month
- BAH: $2,503.90 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $7,576.59 per month
- Lieutenant Colonel (O-5):
- Basic pay: $5,334.60 per month
- BAH: $2,733.90 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $8,437.89 per month
- Colonel (O-6):
- Basic pay: $6,163.70 per month
- BAH: $3,063.90 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $9,596.99 per month
- Brigadier General (O-7):
- Basic pay: $7,031.50 per month
- BAH: $3,393.90 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $10,794.79 per month
- Major General (O-8):
- Basic pay: $8,044.40 per month
- BAH: $3,723.90 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $12,137.69 per month
- Lieutenant General (O-9):
- Basic pay: $9,261.60 per month
- BAH: $4,053.90 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $13,684.89 per month
- General (O-10):
- Basic pay: $10,515.60 per month
- BAH: $4,383.90 per month (average)
- BAS: $369.39 per month
- Total: $15,268.89 per month
Gallery of Marine Corps Ranks
US Marine Corps Ranks
Conclusion
The US Marine Corps offers a competitive salary and benefits package to its members. The salary structure is based on rank and time in service, with higher ranks and longer service resulting in higher pay. In addition to basic pay, Marines are also eligible for various allowances and special pays, which can significantly impact their total compensation. We hope this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the US Marine Corps salary by rank, and we encourage you to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.