The United States Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, are an elite group of soldiers who undergo rigorous training to conduct unconventional warfare and other specialized missions. The salary for Army Special Forces soldiers can vary based on their rank, time in service, and other factors. In this article, we will explore the salary ranges for Army Special Forces soldiers and provide an overview of their compensation and benefits.
Key Points
- The basic pay for Army Special Forces soldiers ranges from $1,733.40 per month for an E-1 (Private) to $8,264.50 per month for an O-10 (General)
- Special Forces soldiers can earn additional forms of compensation, including Special Duty Assignment Pay, Hazardous Duty Pay, and Jump Pay
- The average annual salary for an Army Special Forces soldier is around $60,000 to $80,000, although this can vary depending on rank and time in service
- Army Special Forces soldiers are also eligible for a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and education assistance
- To become an Army Special Forces soldier, one must undergo a rigorous selection process, including Basic Airborne Training and the Special Forces Qualification Course
Army Special Forces Salary Ranges

The salary for Army Special Forces soldiers is based on their rank and time in service. The basic pay for Army soldiers ranges from 1,733.40 per month for an E-1 (Private) to 8,264.50 per month for an O-10 (General). However, Special Forces soldiers can earn additional forms of compensation, including Special Duty Assignment Pay, Hazardous Duty Pay, and Jump Pay. The average annual salary for an Army Special Forces soldier is around 60,000 to 80,000, although this can vary depending on rank and time in service.
Special Forces Enlisted Ranks
The enlisted ranks for Army Special Forces soldiers range from E-1 (Private) to E-9 (Sergeant Major). The basic pay for these ranks is as follows:
Rank | Basic Pay |
---|---|
E-1 (Private) | $1,733.40 per month |
E-2 (Private Second Class) | $1,942.50 per month |
E-3 (Private First Class) | $2,105.70 per month |
E-4 (Specialist/Corporal) | $2,330.40 per month |
E-5 (Sergeant) | $2,694.50 per month |
E-6 (Staff Sergeant) | $3,116.40 per month |
E-7 (Sergeant First Class) | $3,558.30 per month |
E-8 (Master Sergeant/First Sergeant) | $4,143.90 per month |
E-9 (Sergeant Major) | $5,181.30 per month |

Special Forces Officer Ranks
The officer ranks for Army Special Forces soldiers range from O-1 (Second Lieutenant) to O-10 (General). The basic pay for these ranks is as follows:
Rank | Basic Pay |
---|---|
O-1 (Second Lieutenant) | $3,287.10 per month |
O-2 (First Lieutenant) | $3,787.80 per month |
O-3 (Captain) | $4,514.70 per month |
O-4 (Major) | $5,469.60 per month |
O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel) | $6,552.60 per month |
O-6 (Colonel) | $7,724.50 per month |
O-7 (Brigadier General) | $8,264.50 per month |
O-8 (Major General) | $8,264.50 per month |
O-9 (Lieutenant General) | $8,264.50 per month |
O-10 (General) | $8,264.50 per month |
Benefits and Compensation

In addition to their basic pay, Army Special Forces soldiers are eligible for a range of benefits and compensation, including:
- Health insurance: Army Special Forces soldiers are eligible for comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement plans: Army Special Forces soldiers are eligible for a range of retirement plans, including the Thrift Savings Plan and the Army's retirement pension plan
- Education assistance: Army Special Forces soldiers are eligible for education assistance, including the GI Bill and the Army's tuition assistance program
- Housing allowance: Army Special Forces soldiers are eligible for a housing allowance, which can help them pay for housing costs
- Food allowance: Army Special Forces soldiers are eligible for a food allowance, which can help them pay for food costs
Special Duty Assignment Pay
Special Forces soldiers can earn Special Duty Assignment Pay, which is a special form of compensation for soldiers who are assigned to special duty positions. The amount of Special Duty Assignment Pay varies depending on the position and the soldier’s rank, but it can range from 150 to 500 per month.
Hazardous Duty Pay
Special Forces soldiers can also earn Hazardous Duty Pay, which is a special form of compensation for soldiers who are assigned to hazardous duty positions. The amount of Hazardous Duty Pay varies depending on the position and the soldier’s rank, but it can range from 150 to 500 per month.
Jump Pay
Special Forces soldiers who are qualified as parachutists can earn Jump Pay, which is a special form of compensation for soldiers who participate in parachute operations. The amount of Jump Pay varies depending on the soldier’s rank and the number of jumps they make, but it can range from 150 to 500 per month.
How much does an Army Special Forces soldier make per year?
+The average annual salary for an Army Special Forces soldier is around $60,000 to $80,000, although this can vary depending on rank and time in service.
What benefits do Army Special Forces soldiers receive?
+Army Special Forces soldiers are eligible for a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, education assistance, housing allowance, and food allowance.
How do I become an Army Special Forces soldier?
+To become an Army Special Forces soldier, one must undergo a rigorous selection process, including Basic Airborne Training and the Special Forces Qualification Course.
In conclusion, the salary for Army Special Forces soldiers can vary based on their rank, time in service, and other factors. However, with the potential to earn additional forms of compensation, such as Special Duty Assignment Pay, Hazardous Duty Pay, and Jump Pay, Army Special Forces soldiers can earn a competitive salary and enjoy a range of benefits and compensation. If you’re interested in becoming an Army Special Forces soldier, it’s essential to research the selection process and the qualifications required for this elite group of soldiers.