Guard Pay
Make Great Money While Serving Your Country
Whether it’s your first job or the next phase in your military career, the Guard offers excellent pay. Your earnings depend on your rank, your job and even your education level. The higher you go, the more you make. Take a look at all the different ways you’ll earn with the Guard.
The Reward of Service
The Guard rewards you for your efforts. Whether it is two days of monthly drill, two weeks of training, or active deployment at home or abroad, you will be earning while you serve.
Guard units typically have a two week annual training, but some may train up to 21 days. You will be paid for every day you work. Soldiers with dependents may also qualify for an additional housing allowance. Plus, you only pay taxes on your base pay – not on any allowances. Don’t forget that any time you are called to active service for any reason – like assisting your state during a natural disaster – you will be earning Active Duty Pay, as shown on the pay table below.
| 2020 PAY TABLE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Two Day Drill | Monthly Active Duty | Annual Training Pay* |
| E-1 Private | $213-$231 | $1,602-$1,733 | $801-$866 |
| E-2 Private | $259-$259 | $1,942-$1,942 | $971-$971 |
| E-3 Private First Class | $272-$307 | $2,042-$2,302 | $1,021-$1,151 |
| E-4 Specialist | $301-$366 | $2,262-$2,746 | $1,131-$1,373 |
| E-5 Sergeant | $329-$466 | $2,467-$3,501 | $1,233-$1,750 |
| O-1 Second Lieutenant | $438-$684 | $3,287-$5,135 | $1,643-$2,567 |
* These are base pay figures for a typical 15-day Annual Training period. Your total pay will be based on the actual number of days worked plus any applicable allowances, such as food and housing. (Pay rates are effective January 1, 2020)
Move Up In Rank Fast
You may qualify for an advanced rank if you have certain skills that have been acquired through civilian experience or education. Your recruiter will be able to help you determine if you meet the requirements. An advance in rank may be available for the following:
- Soldiers who refer new recruits through the Stripes for Buddies program
- Serving 2 or 3 years in high school Junior ROTC
- Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) for College ROTC
- Completing college credit hours (more hours = more rank)
- Completed all Phase II requirements of the Air Force Civil Air Patrol and been awarded the Billy Mitchell Award
- Taken part in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps and been awarded the Certificate of Advancement (NSCADM 024)
- Earned the Girl Scout Gold Award Certificate as a member of the Girl Scouts of America
- Been awarded the Boy Scout Eagle Certificate as a member of the Boy Scouts of America (Form 58-708), the Sea Scout Quartermaster Award or the Venturing Scout Silver Award
- Successfully complete the Army National Guard’s Stripes for Skills training
More Information
A complete accounting of military pay, allowances, retirement, and other financial benefits can be found on the Department of Defense website.