The United States Army is one of the most prestigious and respected institutions in the world, with a long history of protecting the nation and its interests. As a member of the Army, Sergeant First Class (SFC) is a senior non-commissioned officer rank that requires a high level of leadership, technical expertise, and experience. One of the key benefits of serving as a Sergeant First Class is the competitive pay and compensation package. In this article, we will delve into the details of Sergeant First Class Army pay, including the basic pay, allowances, and benefits that come with this rank.
Key Points
- The basic pay for a Sergeant First Class in the Army ranges from $3,116.40 to $5,921.40 per month, depending on the number of years of service.
- In addition to basic pay, SFCs are also eligible for allowances, such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), which can range from $800 to $2,000 per month.
- Sergeant First Class personnel are also entitled to a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and education assistance.
- The total compensation package for a Sergeant First Class can range from $60,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on the individual's circumstances.
- As a senior non-commissioned officer, SFCs play a critical role in leading and mentoring junior soldiers, and are expected to demonstrate high levels of professionalism, expertise, and leadership.
Basic Pay for Sergeant First Class

The basic pay for a Sergeant First Class in the Army is based on the individual’s years of service and pay grade. According to the 2022 pay scale, the basic pay for a Sergeant First Class ranges from 3,116.40 to 5,921.40 per month, depending on the number of years of service. For example, a Sergeant First Class with 10 years of service would receive a basic pay of 4,235.10 per month, while a Sergeant First Class with 20 years of service would receive a basic pay of 5,460.90 per month.
Allowances and Benefits
In addition to basic pay, Sergeant First Class personnel are also eligible for a range of allowances and benefits. These include:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): This allowance is designed to help offset the cost of housing and can range from 800 to 2,000 per month, depending on the location and number of dependents.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): This allowance is designed to help offset the cost of food and can range from 300 to 500 per month.
- Special Duty Pay: Sergeant First Class personnel may be eligible for special duty pay, which can range from 100 to 500 per month, depending on the specific duty assignment.
- Health Insurance: The Army provides comprehensive health insurance to all personnel, including Sergeant First Class, through the TRICARE program.
- Retirement Plans: Sergeant First Class personnel are eligible to participate in the Army’s retirement plans, including the Thrift Savings Plan and the Army’s defined benefit retirement plan.
- Education Assistance: The Army provides education assistance to all personnel, including Sergeant First Class, through the GI Bill and other programs.
Years of Service | Basic Pay | BAH | BAS | Special Duty Pay | Total Compensation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 years | $4,235.10 | $1,200 | $300 | $200 | $6,035.10 |
15 years | $4,761.40 | $1,500 | $400 | $300 | $7,365.40 |
20 years | $5,460.90 | $2,000 | $500 | $500 | $8,961.90 |

Leadership and Responsibilities

As a senior non-commissioned officer, Sergeant First Class personnel are responsible for leading and mentoring junior soldiers. They are expected to demonstrate high levels of professionalism, expertise, and leadership, and are often called upon to serve in key leadership positions. Some of the key responsibilities of a Sergeant First Class include:
- Leading and mentoring junior soldiers
- Providing technical expertise and guidance
- Developing and implementing training plans
- Evaluating and counseling soldiers
- Representing the Army in official capacities
Education and Training
To become a Sergeant First Class, individuals must complete a range of education and training requirements. These include:
- Basic Combat Training (BCT)
- Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
- Non-Commissioned Officer Education System (NCOES)
- Senior Leader Course (SLC)
- Master Leader Course (MLC)
What is the basic pay for a Sergeant First Class in the Army?
+The basic pay for a Sergeant First Class in the Army ranges from $3,116.40 to $5,921.40 per month, depending on the number of years of service.
What benefits are available to Sergeant First Class personnel?
+Sergeant First Class personnel are eligible for a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and education assistance.
What are the responsibilities of a Sergeant First Class?
+As a senior non-commissioned officer, Sergeant First Class personnel are responsible for leading and mentoring junior soldiers, providing technical expertise and guidance, and developing and implementing training plans.
Meta description: Learn about the pay and benefits of a Sergeant First Class in the US Army, including basic pay, allowances, and benefits, as well as the responsibilities and education requirements for this senior non-commissioned officer rank.