Intro
Discover the National Guard monthly pay scale, including ranks, benefits, and allowances, to understand military compensation and salary ranges for guard members.
The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces, comprising both the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Members of the National Guard serve part-time, typically one weekend per month and two weeks per year, while also holding civilian jobs. The pay scale for National Guard members varies based on rank, time in service, and the number of drill periods attended. Understanding the pay scale is essential for those considering joining the National Guard or for current members looking to advance their careers.
The National Guard pay scale is based on the same system used by the active-duty military, with some adjustments for part-time service. The pay is calculated using a drill pay chart, which outlines the monthly pay for each rank and time in service. National Guard members are paid for drills, which are typically held one weekend per month, and for annual training, which is usually two weeks long. The pay scale is adjusted annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and other factors.
Joining the National Guard can be a rewarding career choice, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as a chance to serve one's country. The National Guard provides a range of benefits, including education assistance, medical coverage, and access to on-base facilities. For those interested in serving, understanding the pay scale is an important part of making an informed decision.
National Guard Pay Scale Overview

The National Guard pay scale is divided into two main categories: enlisted and officer. Enlisted members make up the bulk of the National Guard, and their pay is based on their rank and time in service. Officer pay is also based on rank and time in service, but officers typically earn higher pay than enlisted members. The pay scale is adjusted regularly to reflect changes in the cost of living and other factors.
The National Guard pay scale is as follows:
- E-1 (Private): $1,733.40 per month
- E-2 (Private Second Class): $1,942.50 per month
- E-3 (Private First Class): $2,105.70 per month
- E-4 (Specialist/Corporal): $2,330.40 per month
- E-5 (Sergeant): $2,611.60 per month
- E-6 (Staff Sergeant): $2,944.40 per month
- E-7 (Sergeant First Class): $3,315.60 per month
- E-8 (Master Sergeant/First Sergeant): $3,756.30 per month
- E-9 (Sergeant Major): $4,212.90 per month
- W-1 (Warrant Officer 1): $2,944.40 per month
- W-2 (Chief Warrant Officer 2): $3,315.60 per month
- W-3 (Chief Warrant Officer 3): $3,756.30 per month
- W-4 (Chief Warrant Officer 4): $4,212.90 per month
- W-5 (Chief Warrant Officer 5): $4,684.50 per month
- O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $3,287.10 per month
- O-2 (First Lieutenant): $3,673.50 per month
- O-3 (Captain): $4,144.90 per month
- O-4 (Major): $4,697.50 per month
- O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $5,306.40 per month
- O-6 (Colonel): $6,052.20 per month
National Guard Pay Scale for Enlisted Members

Enlisted members in the National Guard are paid based on their rank and time in service. The pay scale for enlisted members is as follows:
- E-1 (Private): $1,733.40 per month
- E-2 (Private Second Class): $1,942.50 per month
- E-3 (Private First Class): $2,105.70 per month
- E-4 (Specialist/Corporal): $2,330.40 per month
- E-5 (Sergeant): $2,611.60 per month
- E-6 (Staff Sergeant): $2,944.40 per month
- E-7 (Sergeant First Class): $3,315.60 per month
- E-8 (Master Sergeant/First Sergeant): $3,756.30 per month
- E-9 (Sergeant Major): $4,212.90 per month
National Guard Pay Scale for Officer Members

Officer members in the National Guard are paid based on their rank and time in service. The pay scale for officer members is as follows:
- O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $3,287.10 per month
- O-2 (First Lieutenant): $3,673.50 per month
- O-3 (Captain): $4,144.90 per month
- O-4 (Major): $4,697.50 per month
- O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $5,306.40 per month
- O-6 (Colonel): $6,052.20 per month
National Guard Pay Scale for Warrant Officer Members

Warrant officer members in the National Guard are paid based on their rank and time in service. The pay scale for warrant officer members is as follows:
- W-1 (Warrant Officer 1): $2,944.40 per month
- W-2 (Chief Warrant Officer 2): $3,315.60 per month
- W-3 (Chief Warrant Officer 3): $3,756.30 per month
- W-4 (Chief Warrant Officer 4): $4,212.90 per month
- W-5 (Chief Warrant Officer 5): $4,684.50 per month
Benefits of Serving in the National Guard

Serving in the National Guard offers a range of benefits, including:
- Education assistance: The National Guard offers education assistance, including tuition reimbursement and student loan forgiveness.
- Medical coverage: National Guard members are eligible for medical coverage, including health insurance and access to on-base medical facilities.
- Access to on-base facilities: National Guard members have access to on-base facilities, including gyms, libraries, and recreational facilities.
- Career advancement: Serving in the National Guard can provide opportunities for career advancement, including training and education in specialized fields.
- Personal growth: Serving in the National Guard can provide opportunities for personal growth, including leadership development and teamwork.
How to Join the National Guard

To join the National Guard, follow these steps:
- Meet the eligibility requirements: To join the National Guard, you must meet the eligibility requirements, including age, citizenship, and education.
- Choose a career field: The National Guard offers a range of career fields, including infantry, engineering, and healthcare.
- Take the ASVAB test: The ASVAB test is a standardized test that measures aptitude and ability.
- Complete basic training: Basic training is a 10-week course that teaches basic military skills.
- Attend advanced individual training: Advanced individual training is specialized training in a specific career field.
Gallery of National Guard Images
National Guard Image Gallery










What is the National Guard pay scale?
+The National Guard pay scale is based on the same system used by the active-duty military, with some adjustments for part-time service. The pay is calculated using a drill pay chart, which outlines the monthly pay for each rank and time in service.
How do I join the National Guard?
+To join the National Guard, you must meet the eligibility requirements, including age, citizenship, and education. You must also choose a career field, take the ASVAB test, complete basic training, and attend advanced individual training.
What are the benefits of serving in the National Guard?
+Serving in the National Guard offers a range of benefits, including education assistance, medical coverage, access to on-base facilities, career advancement, and personal growth.
In conclusion, the National Guard pay scale is an important consideration for those thinking about joining the National Guard. The pay scale is based on rank and time in service, and it is adjusted regularly to reflect changes in the cost of living and other factors. Serving in the National Guard offers a range of benefits, including education assistance, medical coverage, and access to on-base facilities. If you're interested in learning more about the National Guard pay scale or have questions about joining the National Guard, we encourage you to comment below or share this article with others who may be interested.