How much money does a E1 make in basic training?
As an E-1 Airman Basic, you will receive a base salary of $1,733 per month, beginning on the first day of Basic Military Training.
Factors That Affect Military Pay
Basic pay varies depending on your paygrade/rank, along with the number of years you have served. For instance, in 2023, an enlisted service member with a paygrade of E-1 will receive an estimated $1,917.63 per month in basic pay.
Average BAH allowance (no dependants) | $15,317.63 per year |
Average BAS allowance (enlisted) | $4,883.76 per year |
Total Estimated Compensation | $42,200.99 per year |
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Must have 4 months of active duty or more. Basic pay for an E-1 with less than 4 months of active duty is $1,773.00.
Rising in the Ranks
The Army promotes privates automatically based on two factors, their time in the service and their time at a given grade. E1s move up to second class after six months of service. E2s become privates first class after a year's time in the service and four months' time as an E2.
Military members get paid twice a month, on the 1st and the 15th, unless those days fall on weekend a holiday. If so, military members get paid the preceding business day. Advertising Disclosure. One of the first steps in creating a budget is anticipating how much money you'll make, and when you will have it.
Service members have access to two different retirement vehicles: A pension, which is only available to those who retire after at least 20 years of service.
Pay for BMT depends upon your rank. Every enlisted recruit starts out as an E1, and can expect an annual salary of around $20,170.80. BMT is 10 weeks, so the average E1 payment for basic training is around $3,800 plus meals and housing.
Base pay for a new enlistee comes out to $20,340 per year, but they'll earn more as they gain experience and rank. Most service members also receive allowances for housing, food, uniforms, and job-specific bonuses, many of which are not taxed.
Like Base Pay (The regular pay your airman is receiving for his rate), the BAH for the month will come in two separate times. Your “$1000” BAH will come as $500 and $500. Your BAH may not show up in the pay right away.
How much does an E1 make after tax?
After a federal tax rate of 12% has been taken out, E1 - Recruit - Basic Training (Army)s could expect to have a take-home pay of $15,798/year, with each paycheck equaling approximately $658 *.
Active duty is a better option for those looking for a secure full-time job with numerous benefits. Reserve duty is a better option for those wishing to serve their country, build career skills, earn extra money, and access military benefits without making a full-time commitment.

Taxes, taxes, taxes
The biggest deduction from your civilian paycheck will likely be taxes. In the military, the federal government generally only taxes base pay, and many states waive income taxes. Other military pay—things like housing allowances, combat pay or cost-of-living adjustments—may not be taxed.
Annual Salary | Weekly Pay | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $40,000 | $769 |
75th Percentile | $40,000 | $769 |
Average | $30,711 | $590 |
25th Percentile | $21,000 | $403 |
You can expect your paycheck every 2 weeks since the military pay chart is bi-weekly.
Enlisted Ranks (grade E-1 to E-9) in the Army are the lower of the 3 Total Army Ranks. Enlisted Soldiers make up the majority of the US Army and are ranked from Private (E-1) to Sergeant Major of the Army (E-9). The roles of each enlisted rank past Private First Class (E-3) entitle you more and more responsibility.
Private (E-1)
Private, the lowest Army rank, normally is held only by new recruits while at Basic Combat Training (BCT), but the rank occasionally is assigned to soldiers after a disciplinary action has been taken.
Airman Basic (E-1)
The only requirement for advancement is six months' time in grade (TIG) and time in service (TIS). An airman, while still primarily an apprentice, is expected to understand and conform to military standards.
If you arrive at basic training before the 10th of the month, you'll get paid on the 15th. If you arrive after the 10th of the month, you won't see your first paycheck until the 1st of the following month, but it will include all pay you're entitled to, as of that date.
You are authorized to get a cash payment for any unused leave when you separate from the military if you are retiring or separating with an honorable discharge. You are authorized 1/30 of your basic pay for each day of leave you sell back.
Does the Army pay you after you leave?
In most cases, Soldiers who have completed 20 years of active service are eligible to receive Retired Pay at the end of their career. The Date of Initial Entry into Military Service (DIEMS) determines which of the three retirement systems a Soldier falls under.
How much does an Army Soldier make? As of Jan 6, 2023, the average monthly pay for the Army Soldier jobs category in the United States is $2,559 a month.
Every enlisted recruit starts out as an E1, and can expect an annual salary of around $20,170.80. BMT is 10 weeks, so the average E1 payment for basic training is around $3,800 plus meals and housing.
How much does an E-3 Private First Class in the Army get paid? A Private First Class is a enlisted soldier in the United States Army at DoD paygrade E-3. A Private First Class receives a monthly basic pay salary starting at $2,161 per month, with raises up to $2,436 per month once they have served for over 3 years.
Rising in the Ranks
The Army promotes privates automatically based on two factors, their time in the service and their time at a given grade. E1s move up to second class after six months of service. E2s become privates first class after a year's time in the service and four months' time as an E2.
Military members are paid twice each month -- on the 1st and 15th of each month. You get one-half of your monthly pay on the 1st and the second half on the 15th.
Four years after enlistment, an E-5 will make $3,058 per month. After six years of service, their pay will increase again — even if they do not promote — to $3,273 per month.
Being an Active Duty servicemember comes with benefits and perks, one being a steady paycheck with tax-free allowance. You can expect your paycheck every 2 weeks since the military pay chart is bi-weekly.
Easiest Boot Camp / Basic Training
What is this? Though boot camp / basic training is considered challenging, yet mandatory, for every branch of the military, the easiest among them would most likely be the Air Force.
You do get paid during training. Withholding your pay until after graduation would be illegal. You must be paid for your duty days (time). It's like a civilian employer saying you didn't make the end of your probationary period, so they don't have to pay you for the time you've already put in.
Do you get a bonus after basic training?
Generally, initial payments for new enlistment bonuses are made after the completion of your training, but timing may vary. It's important to work with your recruiter and get all the details of the bonuses you're eligible for and how to receive payment during your joining process.
How much does an E-2 Private Second Class in the Army get paid? A Private Second Class is a enlisted soldier in the United States Army at DoD paygrade E-2. A Private Second Class receives a monthly basic pay salary starting at $2,055 per month, with raises up to $2,055 per month once they have served for over 2 years.
Individual Servicemember | Servicemember w/ Family of 4 | |
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Basic Pay | $27,778 | $27,778 |
BAS | $4,419 | $4,419 |
BAH | $7,373 | $9,821 |
Cash Total | $39,570 | $42,018 |
A Sergeant First Class is a noncommissioned officer in the United States Army at DoD paygrade E-7. A Sergeant First Class receives a monthly basic pay salary starting at $3,294 per month, with raises up to $5,921 per month once they have served for over 26 years.