Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 12/12/2007

Question
I was also wondering how the salaries are decided. Do 2nd lieutenants in the U.S. Army get paid weekly or monthly or do they have options? How much is their salary annually?

Answer
Dear Frank --

Military members are paid bi-monthly on the 1st and of the month.  If those days fall on a weekend, then payday is the Friday before.

You are required to accept your pay via electronic funds transfer straight into your bank account.  You will receive an e-mail with a link to allow you to log-in and see your pay summary each month.

Salaries are based on rank and time in service.  Starting in January 2008, a brand new 2nd lieutenant will make $2555.70 per month.  With your allowances, you will be making well over $30k per year.

You can look at the pay tables yourself at http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/pay/2008pay/bloffbasepay.htm

Good luck!