Pentagon Claims US Troop Pay Is Competitive With Private Sector Earnings

Washington: A new Pentagon report shows that troops often earn more than many full-time civilian workers. After just one year of service, the top 70% of enlisted earners can make around $1,000 a week. This figure goes beyond just base pay, especially since Congress recently approved a significant pay raise.

The report emphasizes that military compensation is competitive with the civilian job market. It comes on the heels of Congress voting for a 4.5% pay increase for all troops, addressing recruitment challenges and food insecurity. Junior enlisted members saw an even larger raise of 14.5%, as many were earning under $30,000 annually.

The Pentagon’s calculations include more than just basic pay. They look at regular military compensation, which factors in benefits like tax breaks and housing allowances. According to the report, junior enlisted personnel earn more than 90% of civilians with similar education and experience.

The Pentagon argues that basic pay should only be adjusted during widespread retention or recruitment issues. Their findings compare the earnings of enlisted soldiers to civilian workers, showing that those with one year of service in the military earn about $1,000 a week, while civilians need a decade of experience to reach that level.

For enlisted personnel with ten years of service, the top earners make $1,500 a week. Officers earn even more, with those at the 70th percentile making nearly $2,500 a week after ten years. The report indicates that enlisted members outpace 83% of civilian workers with similar backgrounds, while officers surpass 76%.

Instead of just increasing pay, the Pentagon suggests focusing on quality-of-life improvements. They recommend enhancing retirement savings, better childcare for military families, and reducing relocations to support soldiers’ spouses’ careers.

In its budget overview for the 2025 fiscal year, the Defense Department noted that troop pay and benefits account for about 30% of its $850 billion budget request. The Pentagon believes its current pay structure is effective, citing strong retention and improved recruitment, indicating that basic pay levels are sufficient.