The salary of a Second Lieutenant in the Army is a crucial aspect of consideration for individuals who are thinking of pursuing a career in the military. As of 2022, the basic pay for a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army is $3,287.20 per month, which translates to $39,446.40 per year. However, this figure does not include additional forms of compensation, such as allowances for housing, food, and clothing, which can significantly increase the total annual salary.
It is also important to note that Army salaries are based on a combination of factors, including rank, time in service, and occupation. Second Lieutenants, who are typically in their first few years of service, can expect to receive lower salaries compared to more senior officers. However, as they gain experience and advance in rank, their salaries will increase accordingly. For example, a Captain in the Army, who is typically a more senior officer, can expect to earn a basic pay of $6,112.20 per month, or $73,346.40 per year.
Key Points
- The basic pay for a Second Lieutenant in the Army is $3,287.20 per month, or $39,446.40 per year.
- Additional forms of compensation, such as allowances for housing and food, can increase the total annual salary.
- Army salaries are based on a combination of factors, including rank, time in service, and occupation.
- Second Lieutenants can expect to receive lower salaries compared to more senior officers, but their salaries will increase as they gain experience and advance in rank.
- The total annual salary for a Second Lieutenant, including allowances and other forms of compensation, can range from $50,000 to over $70,000.
Salary Breakdown for Second Lieutenants

The salary breakdown for Second Lieutenants in the Army can be complex, as it depends on a variety of factors, including the individual’s specific job, location, and time in service. However, here is a general breakdown of the types of compensation that Second Lieutenants can expect to receive:
- Basic pay: $3,287.20 per month, or $39,446.40 per year
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): $843.30 to $1,747.10 per month, depending on location
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): $369.39 per month
- Special pays: varying amounts, depending on the individual's specific job and location
- Bonuses: varying amounts, depending on the individual's specific job and location
Factors that Affect Salary
There are several factors that can affect the salary of a Second Lieutenant in the Army, including:
Rank: As mentioned earlier, Second Lieutenants are typically in their first few years of service, and their salaries are lower compared to more senior officers. However, as they gain experience and advance in rank, their salaries will increase accordingly.
Time in service: The longer an individual serves in the Army, the higher their salary will be. This is because the Army uses a pay scale that is based on time in service, with more experienced officers earning higher salaries.
Occupation: The specific job that an individual holds can also affect their salary. For example, Second Lieutenants who serve in certain specialties, such as aviation or medicine, may earn higher salaries than those who serve in other specialties.
Location: The location where an individual serves can also affect their salary. For example, Second Lieutenants who serve in areas with a high cost of living, such as San Francisco or New York City, may earn higher salaries than those who serve in areas with a lower cost of living.
Rank | Basic Pay per Month | Basic Pay per Year |
---|---|---|
Second Lieutenant | $3,287.20 | $39,446.40 |
First Lieutenant | $4,136.40 | $49,636.80 |
Captain | $6,112.20 | $73,346.40 |

Benefits and Allowances

In addition to basic pay, Second Lieutenants in the Army are also eligible for a range of benefits and allowances, including:
Health insurance: The Army provides comprehensive health insurance to all active-duty personnel, including Second Lieutenants.
Retirement benefits: The Army offers a retirement plan that allows Second Lieutenants to contribute to a retirement account and earn matching contributions from the Army.
Education benefits: The Army offers a range of education benefits, including the GI Bill, which can help Second Lieutenants pay for college or vocational training.
Housing allowance: The Army provides a housing allowance to Second Lieutenants, which can help them pay for rent or mortgage payments.
Food allowance: The Army provides a food allowance to Second Lieutenants, which can help them pay for groceries and other food expenses.
Special Pays and Bonuses
Second Lieutenants in the Army may also be eligible for special pays and bonuses, including:
Airborne pay: Second Lieutenants who serve in airborne units may be eligible for airborne pay, which can range from $150 to $250 per month.
Special duty pay: Second Lieutenants who serve in special duty positions, such as drill instructors or recruiters, may be eligible for special duty pay, which can range from $100 to $500 per month.
Combat pay: Second Lieutenants who serve in combat zones may be eligible for combat pay, which can range from $150 to $250 per month.
What is the basic pay for a Second Lieutenant in the Army?
+The basic pay for a Second Lieutenant in the Army is $3,287.20 per month, or $39,446.40 per year.
What factors affect the salary of a Second Lieutenant in the Army?
+The salary of a Second Lieutenant in the Army can be affected by a range of factors, including rank, time in service, occupation, and location.
What benefits and allowances are available to Second Lieutenants in the Army?
+Second Lieutenants in the Army are eligible for a range of benefits and allowances, including health insurance, retirement benefits, education benefits, housing allowance, and food allowance.
In conclusion, the salary of a Second Lieutenant in the Army can vary significantly depending on the individual’s specific circumstances. However, with the right combination of experience, education, and job specialty, it’s possible for Second Lieutenants to earn a total annual salary of 50,000 to over 70,000. Additionally, Second Lieutenants are eligible for a range of benefits and allowances, including health insurance, retirement benefits, education benefits, housing allowance, and food allowance.