Understanding the 2016 Military Pay Scale: A Breakdown of the Top 7 Ranks and Salaries
The United States military is one of the most prestigious and respected institutions in the country, and the compensation for those who serve is designed to reflect the value and importance of their service. In 2016, the military pay scale underwent some changes, reflecting the need to adjust salaries to match the rising cost of living and to remain competitive with the civilian job market.
Here is a breakdown of the top 7 ranks in the US military, across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, along with their corresponding salaries:
| Rank | Army/Navy/Air Force | Marine Corps | Coast Guard |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (4-star) | $189,600 - $203,500 | $189,600 - $203,500 | $189,600 - $203,500 |
| Lieutenant General (3-star) | $151,200 - $173,600 | $151,200 - $173,600 | $151,200 - $173,600 |
| Major General (2-star) | $115,800 - $134,100 | $115,800 - $134,100 | $115,800 - $134,100 |
| Brigadier General (1-star) | $93,240 - $109,800 | $93,240 - $109,800 | $93,240 - $109,800 |
| Colonel | $80,300 - $96,200 | $80,300 - $96,200 | $80,300 - $96,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | $63,100 - $79,600 | $63,100 - $79,600 | $63,100 - $79,600 |
| Major | $52,400 - $65,400 | $52,400 - $65,400 | $52,400 - $65,400 |
Ranking System
The military uses a ranking system to denote the level of authority and responsibility that a servicemember holds. The ranking system is divided into three main categories: enlisted, warrant officer, and officer. Within each category, there are various ranks that correspond to different levels of experience, training, and responsibility.
Allowances and Benefits
In addition to their base salary, military personnel also receive a range of allowances and benefits, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): a monthly stipend to help cover the cost of housing
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): a monthly stipend to help cover the cost of food
- Special Duty Pay: additional pay for servicemembers who perform hazardous or specialized duties
- Hazardous Duty Pay: additional pay for servicemembers who perform duties that are deemed hazardous or dangerous
- Veterans’ Benefits: a range of benefits, including education assistance, home loan guarantees, and medical care, that are available to military personnel after they leave the service
Notes
📝 Note: The salaries listed above are based on the 2016 military pay scale and do not include allowances and benefits.
💰 Note: The military pay scale is adjusted annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and other factors.
Key Takeaways
- The top 7 ranks in the US military, across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, have corresponding salaries ranging from 52,400 to 203,500.
- Military personnel also receive a range of allowances and benefits, including BAH, BAS, special duty pay, and hazardous duty pay.
- The military pay scale is adjusted annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and other factors.
In summary, the 2016 military pay scale reflects the value and importance of the service and sacrifices that military personnel make. The top 7 ranks in the US military have corresponding salaries that are designed to reflect their level of authority, responsibility, and experience. Additionally, military personnel receive a range of allowances and benefits that help to support them and their families.
What is the highest rank in the US military?
+
The highest rank in the US military is General (4-star), which corresponds to a salary range of 189,600 - 203,500.
What are the allowances and benefits that military personnel receive?
+
Military personnel receive a range of allowances and benefits, including Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), special duty pay, and hazardous duty pay.
How often is the military pay scale adjusted?
+
The military pay scale is adjusted annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and other factors.
