British Army Salary by Rank 2023: Unveiling Military Pay Structures
Continuing our analysis of the British army salaries in 2023, we now shed light on non-commissioned officer ranks.
Salary details for non-commissioned officers in the British Army
The pay scale for non-commissioned officers in the British army in 2023 varies according to the rank. Here is a brief look at the annual salaries for different non-commissioned officer ranks:
- Lance Corporal: £30,000 – £35,000
- Corporal: £35,000 – £40,000
- Sergeant: £40,000 – £45,000
- Staff Sergeant/Warrant Officer Class 2: £45,000 – £50,000
- Warrant Officer Class 1: £50,000 – £60,000
| OTHER RANKS | |||||
| RANK | LEVEL | SUPP 1 | SUPP 2 | SUPP 3 | SUPP 4 |
| RANGE 5 (OR-9) WOI ARMY | OR9-6 | 58,559 | 58,559 | 58,559 | 60,111 |
| OR9-5 | 57,976 | 57,976 | 57,976 | 59,586 | |
| OR9-4 | 57,340 | 57,340 | 57,340 | 59,028 | |
| OR9-3 | 56,703 | 56,703 | 56,703 | 58,477 | |
| OR9-2 | 56,383 | 56,383 | 56,383 | 57,989 | |
| OR9-1 | 56,383 | 56,383 | 56,383 | 57,989 | |
| RANGE 4 (OR-7 – OR-8) WOII ARMYStaff Sergeant ARMY | OR-8-6 | 52,520 | 54,153 | 55,296 | 56,858 |
| OR-8-5 | 51,656 | 53,471 | 54,973 | 56,536 | |
| OR-8-4 | 50,812 | 52,767 | 54,631 | 56,193 | |
| OR-8-3 | 49,483 | 52,059 | 54,249 | 55,784 | |
| OR-8-2 | 48,819 | 51,035 | 53,498 | 55,210 | |
| OR-8-1 | 48,819 | 51,035 | 53,498 | 55,210 | |
| OR-7-6 | 47,792 | 49,748 | 52,055 | 53,734 | |
| OR-7-5 | 47,068 | 49,025 | 51,050 | 52,919 | |
| OR-7-4 | 46,375 | 48,332 | 50,176 | 52,045 | |
| OR-7-3 | 45,658 | 47,614 | 49,326 | 51,196 | |
| OR-7-2 | 44,966 | 46,815 | 48,477 | 50,393 | |
| OR-7-1 | 44,966 | 46,815 | 48,477 | 50,393 | |
RANGE 3 (OR-6) Sergeant ARMY | OR-6-6 | 44,091 | 45,905 | 47,480 | 49,330 |
| OR-6-5 | 43,060 | 44,793 | 46,319 | 48,091 | |
| OR-6-4 | 42,039 | 43,563 | 45,215 | 46,897 | |
| OR-6-3 | 41,031 | 42,443 | 44,155 | 45,718 | |
| OR-6-2 | 40,058 | 41,374 | 43,080 | 44,462 | |
| OR-6-1 | 40,058 | 41,374 | 43,080 | 44,462 | |
| RANGE 2 (OR-4) Corporal ARMY | OR-4-6 | 38,190 | 39,439 | 41,062 | 42,260 |
| OR-4-5 | 37,668 | 38,918 | 40,348 | 41,451 | |
| OR-4-4 | 37,174 | 38,407 | 39,537 | 40,504 | |
| OR-4-3 | 36,646 | 37,677 | 38,689 | 39,599 | |
| OR-4-2 | 35,718 | 36,728 | 37,711 | 38,622 | |
| OR-4-1 | 35,718 | 36,728 | 37,711 | 38,622 | |
| RANGE 1 (OR-2 – OR-3) Lance Corporal Private ARMY | OR-3-3 | 33,596 | 34,497 | 35,203 | 35,870 |
| OR-2-9 | 32,148 | 32,965 | 33,589 | 34,166 | |
| OR-2-8 | 30,769 | 31,460 | 32,055 | 32,596 | |
| OR-2-7 | 29,473 | 30,039 | 30,633 | 31,012 | |
| OR-2-6 | 28,213 | 28,605 | 29,095 | 29,450 | |
| OR-2-5 | 27,227 | 27,245 | 27,636 | 28,000 | |
| OR-2-4 | 25,937 | 26,228 | 26,530 | 26,530 | |
| OR-2-3 | 24,400 | 24,400 | 24,400 | 24,400 | |
| OR-2-2 | 24,400 | 24,400 | 24,400 | 24,400 | |
| OR-2-1 | 23,496 | 23,496 | 23,496 | 23,496 | |
| Initial Pay | 18,687 | 18,687 | 18,687 | 18,687 | |
Analysis of pay scales and progression
The British army offers competitive salaries, which increase with experience and rank progression.
This tiered system rewards both skill growth and dedication, with each promotion resulting in a significant pay raise. Overall, non-commissioned officers can expect a steady salary progression during their army career.
Specialized Roles and Allowances
Apart from the regular salary earned according to your rank, soldiers in the British Army can earn extra allowances depending on their specialized roles or circumstances.
These specialized roles – like Paratrooper, Commando, or Tank Operator – often demand additional qualifications or carry more risk, and come with significant pay enhancement.
Discussion of additional pay and allowances for specialized roles in the British Army
For example, soldiers in the Parachute Regiment can earn additional pay of over £5,000 per year, just by completing the required training and serving in a role requiring that training. Similarly, a pilot in the Army Air Corps can earn an annual “Flying Pay” allowance up to £12,000.
Analysis of benefits such as housing and pension schemes
With regard to benefits, soldiers can also avail of subsidized accommodation and food, as well as a comprehensive healthcare plan. Notably, the British Army offers one of the best pension schemes available in the UK, providing financial security for service members and their families upon retirement.
Remember to consider these allowances and benefits when evaluating the overall compensation package in the British Army. It’s not just about basic salary – the Army offers a broad range of financial rewards. Performance-related bonuses and long-service payments can also significantly increase your annual income.
