Military Pay Chart 2021: 5 Highest-Paid Ranks In US Military

Military officers usually have a higher average pay rate compared to enlisted personnel. Officers are also eligible to receive higher benefits, including a monthly allowance for housing. But which positions are the highest-paid ranks in the U.S. military?

Base salaries for service members start out relatively low but gradually increase based on how long an individual has served. Getting promoted through the ranks is another way of raising an officer’s pay. The following five ranks have the highest salaries in the military, as compiled by Business Insider.

O-6

Personnel who are promoted to the O-6 rank include “full bird” colonels and Navy captains. These individuals are usually paid a base salary of $7,139.10 monthly. If they are able to serve more than 30 years, their base pay can go as high as $12,638.40 per month as of 2021, according to the Federal Pay's website.

O-7

Brigadier generals and rear admirals are selected on several variables, including job availability. A member who is found qualified for this rank can enjoy a hefty monthly pay of $9,414.30 if they have less than two years of experience. They are also paid on a per drill basis of about $313.81. The base pay for this rank can go as high as $14,065.80 after 30 years of service.

O-8

Major generals and rear admirals are generals and admirals who earned two stars for their performance. Members who hold this rank with less than two years of experience can expect a base monthly salary of $11,329.50. Individuals who are able to serve for more than 30 years can get up to $15,935.40 per month.

O-9

Service members who are promoted to O-9 are those who have stayed with the military long enough to receive the maximum compensation allowed by the U.S. code. This rank includes vice admirals and lieutenant generals. At least 20 years of experience is required for this position, and the monthly base pay is said to be $16,012.50.

O-10

The highest-paid rank in the U.S. military is O-10, which includes four-star generals and admirals. The monthly base pay for this rank with 20 years of service is $16,608.30, and this will not be eligible for increase regardless of continued time in service.

While lower-ranking officers may find their base monthly pay somewhat low, they are eligible to receive a number of benefits and allowances. A service member’s salary that is labeled as an “allowance” will not be taxed by the government, which means they may only need to pay tax for about two-thirds of their base pay.