Joining the military is a major life decision that requires commitment, hard work, and sacrifice. One of the first steps after enlisting is completing basic training, which prepares recruits for military service. A common question many recruits have is whether they get paid during or after basic training.
Do you get paid during basic training?
Yes, recruits do receive pay even while going through basic training. The pay rate is not the full salary they will receive once training is complete, but they do get compensation for their time and service.
Each military branch has its own basic training pay scale that is determined by the Department of Defense. The current 2021 pay rates during initial entry training are:
| Branch | Monthly Pay |
|---|---|
| Army | $1,638 |
| Navy | $1,638 |
| Air Force | $1,681 |
| Marines | $1,703 |
| Coast Guard | $1,883 |
These amounts are given as a monthly salary, even though basic training may last slightly less than a full month depending on the military branch. The pay is prorated based on the number of days in training.
Recruits receive this pay from the first day of basic training. The salary is meant to cover personal expenses, as all lodging, food, transportation, and gear is provided by the military during training.
Do you get paid after basic training?
Yes, military pay increases after finishing basic training. Once recruits graduate and are assigned a military occupational specialty (MOS), they begin receiving their full pay rate.
Standard pay grades in the military are broken into enlisted and officer ranks, from E-1 up to O-10. Enlisted service members automatically receive a pay bump after completing basic training to at least the E-2 level. Pay continues increasing with rank and time in service.
A sample of the 2021 monthly base salaries by rank are:
| Rank | Monthly Pay |
|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,681 |
| E-2 | $1,988 |
| E-3 | $2,193 |
| E-4 | $2,399 |
| O-1 | $3,287 |
| O-2 | $3,831 |
| O-3 | $4,431 |
These amounts do not include factors like basic allowance for housing (BAH), combat pay, flight pay, sea pay, and other bonuses or incentives.
After their initial assignment, service members receive pay increases with time in service and promotions. There are opportunities to take on additional duties or change occupational specialties to increase pay as well.
How and when is basic training pay distributed?
Military pay is distributed on a monthly basis on the 1st and 15th of each month. This includes salary during basic training.
For new recruits, the pay cycle starts from their first day of training. The initial payment may be prorated for the partial month of service if they entered mid-month.
Pay will be directly deposited into the bank account provided by the recruit before basic training. Paper checks are not issued. New service members should ensure their banking details are properly established so they can receive compensation on the scheduled pay dates.
Pay statements outlining monthly earnings and withholdings are provided electronically through myPay. Taxes, Social Security contributions, and other deductions are automatically withheld from gross pay.
Are there other benefits besides basic pay during training?
In addition to the base pay during basic training, new recruits receive other benefits including:
- Free housing, meals, and medical care at basic training
- Low-cost health, dental, and life insurance under Tricare
- Tax-free allowances for housing and meals if living off base
- 30 days of paid vacation per year
- Education benefits like tuition assistance and the GI Bill
- Training, credentials, and opportunities for advancement
- VA home loans and other financial benefits after service
These benefits continue after training and provide financial support throughout military service.
Conclusion
Basic training is an essential first step to begin a military career. While the pay during initial entry training is not the full salary service members will earn after completion, they do receive compensation right from day one.
Pay rates increase after finishing training and recruits can expect regular pay raises as they advance in their military jobs. The steady income, along with housing, education, health care, and other benefits make military service very attractive financially, even just starting out.
Knowing what to expect with military pay during and after basic training can help recruits plan financially and take full advantage of the compensation and benefits available to them throughout their career.