Understanding the Hierarchy and Salaries of Marine Commissioned Officers
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the US Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, utilizing the mobility of the US Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces. It is a unique branch that requires a high level of discipline, physical fitness, and leadership skills. Commissioned officers in the Marine Corps are leaders who have completed a four-year degree and attended Officer Candidates School (OCS) or the United States Naval Academy. They hold various ranks, each with its own set of responsibilities and salary ranges.
The Hierarchy of Marine Commissioned Officers
The hierarchy of Marine commissioned officers is as follows:
- Second Lieutenant (2ndLt)
- First Lieutenant (1stLt)
- Captain (Capt)
- Major (Maj)
- Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol)
- Colonel (Col)
- Brigadier General (BGen)
- Major General (MajGen)
- Lieutenant General (LtGen)
- General (Gen)
Salaries of Marine Commissioned Officers
The salaries of Marine commissioned officers vary based on rank, time in service, and other factors. Here are the average annual salaries for each rank:
- Second Lieutenant (2ndLt): 39,445.20 - 53,644.40 per year
- Second lieutenants are the entry-level commissioned officers in the Marine Corps. They typically serve as platoon leaders or executive officers in infantry, artillery, or other units.
- First Lieutenant (1stLt): 44,251.20 - 65,654.40 per year
- First lieutenants often serve as platoon leaders or company executive officers. They may also serve as staff officers in various units.
- Captain (Capt): 54,595.20 - 90,444.40 per year
- Captains typically serve as company commanders or executive officers in infantry, artillery, or other units. They may also serve as staff officers in various units.
- Major (Maj): 67,376.20 - 114,591.60 per year
- Majors often serve as battalion executive officers or operations officers. They may also serve as staff officers in various units.
- Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol): 84,570.20 - 142,413.60 per year
- Lieutenant colonels typically serve as battalion commanders or staff officers in various units.
- Colonel (Col): 104,697.20 - 172,855.20 per year
- Colonels often serve as regimental commanders or staff officers in various units.
- Brigadier General (BGen): 131,285.20 - 212,551.20 per year
- Brigadier generals typically serve as deputy commanders or chief of staff in various units.
- Major General (MajGen): 162,030.20 - 253,441.20 per year
- Major generals often serve as commanders or deputy commanders in various units.
- Lieutenant General (LtGen): 193,847.20 - 294,395.20 per year
- Lieutenant generals typically serve as commanders or deputy commanders in various units.
- General (Gen): 225,615.20 - 335,349.20 per year
- Generals are the highest-ranking officers in the Marine Corps. They typically serve as commanders or deputy commanders in various units.
💡 Note: These salary ranges are based on the 2022 military pay chart and may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Additional Forms of Compensation
In addition to their base salary, Marine commissioned officers may receive additional forms of compensation, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of housing
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of food
- Special Duty Pay: additional pay for serving in certain roles, such as jump pay or dive pay
- Hazardous Duty Pay: additional pay for serving in hazardous duty assignments
- Combat Pay: additional pay for serving in combat zones
These forms of compensation can significantly increase a Marine commissioned officer’s total annual salary.
Conclusion
Marine commissioned officers play a critical role in the success of the Marine Corps. They are leaders who have completed a four-year degree and attended Officer Candidates School (OCS) or the United States Naval Academy. Their salaries vary based on rank, time in service, and other factors, but they also receive additional forms of compensation to help offset the cost of living and serving in the military.
What is the starting salary for a Marine commissioned officer?
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The starting salary for a Marine commissioned officer is 39,445.20 per year, which is the average annual salary for a second lieutenant.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How much does a Marine general make per year?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>A Marine general can make up to 335,349.20 per year, depending on their rank and time in service.
What forms of additional compensation do Marine commissioned officers receive?
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Marine commissioned officers may receive additional forms of compensation, including Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), Special Duty Pay, Hazardous Duty Pay, and Combat Pay.
