Reserve soldiers earn what’s called Unit Training Pay. Unit Training Pay is money you earn while training on weekends and during full-time training events. Unit Training Pay is only part of your total pay as a Soldier in the Army Reserve. There are many other ways to earn additional money in the Army though allowances, bonuses and educational benefits.
As a Reserve Soldier you are compensated hourly for work completed. Your wages will increase as your rank increases and your years of experience increase. For training events longer than a weekend, you are given a prorated Basic Pay.
| Annual Pay for Reserve Soldiers | |||
| Pay is based on two weeks of training each year and one weekend each month. Chart reflects Drill Pay only and does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits. | |||
| Rank | Years of Army Experience | ||
| <2 Years | 4 Years | 6 Years | |
| Private (E1) | $3,529.89* | $3,529.89 | $3,529.89 |
| Private (E2) | $3,956.40 | $3,956.40 | $3,956.40 |
| Private First Class (E3) | $4,160.52 | $4,690.35 | $4,690.35 |
| Specialist or Corporal (E4) | $4,608.45 | $5,366.34 | $5,594.40 |
| Sergeant (E5) | $5,026.14 | $5,889.24 | $6,303.15 |
| Staff Sergeant (E6) | $5,377.02 | $6,563.34 | $6,833.61 |
* Based on 2019 pay tables.
** Pay for Private (E1) will be slightly lower for first four months of service.
| Annual Pay for Reserve Officers | |||
| Pay is based on two weeks of training each year and one weekend each month. Chart reflects Drill Pay only and does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits. | |||
| Rank | Years of Army Experience | ||
| <2 Years | 4 Years | 6 Years | |
| Second Lieutenant (O1) | $6,695.64 | $8,424.99 | 8,424.99 |
| First Lieutenant (O2) | $7,714.35 | $10,460.52 | $10,675.98 |
| Captain (O3) | $8,928.36 | $11,910.15 | $12,481.56 |
| Major (O4) | $10,154.34 | $12,713.40 | $13,441.68 |
* Based on 2019 pay tables.
Cost of Living Allowance
In addition to salary and bonuses, the Army provides for housing, meals and uniforms for Army Reserve Soldiers on Active Duty status.
Other Bonuses
In addition to your Unit Training Pay, there are many opportunities to earn additional money in the Army Reserve. This extra money is available if you choose a specific Army job, complete special training, take on extra responsibilities or have served in the military before. This extra money changes in amount frequently.
Prior Service Enlistment Bonus
These financial incentives are available to you just for reenlisting with the Army Reserve.
If you have prior military service you could qualify for either a 6-year or 3-year enlistment bonus. This bonus is only available with enlistment into the Army Reserve with designated bonus-eligible MOSs.
- Up to $15,000 with a 6-year enlistment
- Up to $7,500 with a 3-year enlistment
Coming from another Branch of Service?
If you have prior military service in a sister branch (Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard) you could qualify for an enlistment bonus. With enlistment into the Army Reserve, this bonus is available based time left on your Military Service Obligation (MSO) and conversion of AFSCs or Rates to an Army Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
- Up to $15,000 with no remaining MSO and Military Occupation Specialty Qualification (MOSQ)
- Up to $10,000 with 46-49 months remaining on your MSO
- Up to $200 extra per month with 45 months or less remaining on your MSO, for each month remaining on your MSO
Affiliation Bonus:
This bonus is available to Soldiers who have completed a service term within an active component of the military or in the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) and assigned to a Troop Program Unit (TPU) with the Army Reserve.
- Up to $50 extra per month.
Education
Selected Army Reserve Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB-SR): If you have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) and score above 50 on the ASVAB you can enlist in the Army Reserves and get part of your college education paid for. You can earn $10,152 for college. Enlist for six years and earn more than $22,000.
Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill "Kicker" (MGIB-SRK): Depending on your MOS (Army Military Operational Specialty) you can add up to $350 a month to your standard MGIB benefit (up to 36 months).
Life Insurance
The Serviceman’s Group Life Insurance, better known as SGLI, is group term life insurance currently available to all members of the U.S. Army. SGLI is a group life insurance policy purchased by the VA from a commercial life insurance company, and is partially subsidized by the federal government.
SOC – Servicemenbers’ Opportunity Colleges
The Servicemembers’ Opportunity Colleges are a network of approximately 1,400 colleges and universities whose policies and programs are designed especially to help meet the higher education needs of service members (and their families).
Other Benefits
Retirement
Modified retirement possible after 20 yrs. of qualifying service
Job Choices
180 jobs to choose from
Medical / Dental Benefits
Medical and dental benefits when on active duty
Job Training Opportunities
Specialized job training (AIT)
Location of duty
Stationed at home unless called to active duty
Work Schedule
Serve one weekend a month and two contiguous weeks a year
Vacation & Leave
Paid vacation only if you are on extended active duty
Social & Recreational Programs
Unlimited access to all military Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities or programs
Commissary Privileges
Unlimited post exchange and commissary privileges Unlimited post exchange privileges and up to 24 commissary visits per year