The military pay scale for 2015 was established by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015, which was signed into law on December 19, 2014. This act provided for a 1% increase in basic pay for military personnel, effective January 1, 2015. The pay scales for the different branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, are based on a combination of factors, including rank, time in service, and specialty.
Military Pay Scale Structure

The military pay scale is divided into two main categories: enlisted personnel and officers. Enlisted personnel are further divided into nine pay grades, from E-1 (Private) to E-9 (Sergeant Major), while officers are divided into eleven pay grades, from O-1 (Second Lieutenant) to O-10 (General). The pay scale also takes into account the number of years of service, with higher pay rates for personnel with more experience.
Enlisted Pay Scale
The enlisted pay scale for 2015 is as follows:
Pay Grade | Rank | Basic Pay (Monthly) |
---|---|---|
E-1 | Private | $1,516.20 |
E-2 | Private First Class | $1,645.10 |
E-3 | Specialist/Corporal | $1,802.70 |
E-4 | Corporal/Sergeant | $2,055.30 |
E-5 | Sergeant | $2,370.30 |
E-6 | Staff Sergeant | $2,734.50 |
E-7 | Sergeant First Class | $3,207.60 |
E-8 | Master Sergeant/First Sergeant | $3,846.30 |
E-9 | Sergeant Major | $4,485.60 |

Officer Pay Scale
The officer pay scale for 2015 is as follows:
Pay Grade | Rank | Basic Pay (Monthly) |
---|---|---|
O-1 | Second Lieutenant | $2,876.40 |
O-2 | First Lieutenant | $3,388.40 |
O-3 | Captain | $4,144.70 |
O-4 | Major | $4,988.50 |
O-5 | Lieutenant Colonel | $6,139.40 |
O-6 | Colonel | $7,615.50 |
O-7 | Brigadier General | $9,328.80 |
O-8 | Major General | $11,468.80 |
O-9 | Lieutenant General | $14,047.80 |
O-10 | General | $16,879.20 |
Key Points
- The 2015 military pay scale provided for a 1% increase in basic pay for military personnel.
- The pay scales for enlisted personnel and officers are based on a combination of factors, including rank, time in service, and specialty.
- The enlisted pay scale ranges from $1,516.20 per month for an E-1 (Private) to $4,485.60 per month for an E-9 (Sergeant Major).
- The officer pay scale ranges from $2,876.40 per month for an O-1 (Second Lieutenant) to $16,879.20 per month for an O-10 (General).
- Additional forms of compensation, such as allowances for housing, food, and clothing, can significantly impact the total compensation package for military personnel.
In conclusion, the 2015 military pay scale provided for a modest increase in basic pay for military personnel, with pay scales ranging from $1,516.20 per month for an E-1 (Private) to $16,879.20 per month for an O-10 (General). It's essential to consider the total compensation package, including additional forms of compensation, when evaluating the pay and benefits of military personnel.
What was the percentage increase in basic pay for military personnel in 2015?
+The 2015 military pay scale provided for a 1% increase in basic pay for military personnel.
What is the highest pay grade for enlisted personnel in the military?
+The highest pay grade for enlisted personnel is E-9 (Sergeant Major), with a basic pay rate of 4,485.60 per month.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the highest pay grade for officers in the military?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The highest pay grade for officers is O-10 (General), with a basic pay rate of 16,879.20 per month.