British Army Salary by Rank 2023: Unveiling Military Pay Structures
An in-depth guide British Army Salary by Rank 2023, as we explain the pay scales for the UK officers and soldiers 2023.
Joining the ranks of the British Army is more than a profession—it’s a commitment to protect and serve the nation. Yet, it’s also a livelihood that comes with its own financial rewards. Curious about how much these brave individuals earn? In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll shed light on the British Army’s salary structure by rank for the year 2023.

Introduction to British Army Salaries
In the British Army, salary differs greatly depending on one’s rank. It is crucial to understand that it is based on various factors such as experience, rank, and years of service. In this section, you will get an overview of the salary structure and ranking system in the British Army.
Overview of the British Army salary structure and ranks
The British Army is structured into different ranks, each with varying responsibilities and salaries. These ranks are categorized into:
- Officers: They are high-ranking members of the army. These include ranks from Second Lieutenant to Field Marshal.
- Other ranks: This category comprises soldiers holding the positions from Private to Warrant Officer Class 1.
Each rank within the British army has its associated salary range, showing a clear progression in pay as one moves from the lower to the higher ranks. This clear structure provides soldiers with a distinct pathway for advancement and increased compensation throughout their military careers. In the next section, we will detail each rank’s corresponding salary.

Officer Ranks
In 2023, the salaries for officers in the British Army vary significantly based on the rank and experience. Becoming an officer in the British Army not only requires leadership skills and professionalism, but it also offers substantial financial rewards.
Breakdown of salaries for officers in the British Army
The starting salary for a newly commissioned officer in the British Army can be quite competitive. Additionally, as you progress through the Officer Ranks, the salary increases. Here’s a snapshot of what you could potentially earn:
• Second Lieutenant – £27,818
• Lieutenant – £33,436
• Captain – £42,009• Major – £53,975

Comparison of salaries by rank and experience
| OFFICERS | |||
| RANGE AND RANK | STEP | ANNUAL | |
| OF-6 Brigadier ARMY | Step 6 | 124,964 | |
| Step 5 | 123,759 | ||
| Step 4 | 122,554 | ||
| Step 3 | 121,349 | ||
| Step 2 | 120,143 | ||
| Step 1 | 120,143 | ||
| OF-5 Colonel ARMY | Step 8 | 110,905 | |
| Step 7 | 109,251 | ||
| Step 6 | 107,596 | ||
| Step 5 | 105,942 | ||
| Step 4 | 104,288 | ||
| Step 3 | 102,633 | ||
| Step 2 | 100,979 | ||
| Step 1 | 100,979 | ||
| OF-4 Lt Colonel ARMY | Step 8 | 96,556 | |
| Step 7 | 94,385 | ||
| Step 6 | 92,212 | ||
| Step 5 | 90,040 | ||
| Step 4 | 87,868 | ||
| Step 3 | 85,703 | ||
| Step 2 | 83,524 | ||
| Step 1 | 83,524 | ||
| OF-3 Major ARMY | |||
| Step 13 | 78,749 | ||
| Step 12 | 77,225 | ||
| Step 11 | 75,730 | ||
| Step 10 | 74,265 | ||
| Step 9 | 72,828 | ||
| Step 8 | 71,420 | ||
| Step 7 | 69,483 | ||
| Step 6 | 67,547 | ||
| Step 5 | 65,610 | ||
| Step 4 | 63,673 | ||
| Step 3 | 61,736 | ||
| Step 2 | 59,799 | ||
| Step 1 | 59,799 | ||
OF-2 Captain ARMY | Step 8 | 56,512 | |
| Step 7 | 55,040 | ||
| Step 6 | 53,568 | ||
| Step 5 | 52,096 | ||
| Step 4 | 50,624 | ||
| Step 3 | 49,152 | ||
| Step 2 | 47,680 | ||
| Step 1 | 47,680 | ||
| OF-1 Lieutenant ARMY 2nd Lieutenant ARMY | Step 5 | 41,262 | |
| Step 4 | 39,982 | ||
| Step 3 | 38,704 | ||
| Step 2 | 37,425 | ||
| Step 1 | 31,305 | ||
| OF-0 | Step 3 | 23,924 | |
| Step 2 | 21,778 | ||
| Step 1 | 18,555 | ||
Please note these salaries are an approximation based on available public data, and actual salaries may vary. As officers accumulate years of service and move up the ranks, their earning potential increases accordingly.
Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks
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.

Salary Increases and Promotions
Salary progression in the British Army typically follows a structured path based on rank. Promotions come alongside pay increases, reflecting the increased responsibilities and skills each rank demands.
Insight into salary progression and promotions within the British Army
Each promotion within the British Army comes with its own pay increase. For instance, a newly promoted Captain may see an average salary rise of 25%, while a Major stepping up to Lieutenant Colonel could look forward to a boost of nearly 20%.
Overview of factors that contribute to salary growth
Other than promotions, several other factors contribute to salary growth within the British Army. These may include:
- Length of service: The longer an individual serves, the higher their salary tends to be.
- Specialized skills: Having specific, in-demand skills can lead to higher pay.
- Overseas deployment: Troops serving overseas often receive additional allowances, enhancing their total earn.
Remember that specific pay rates can vary depending on the circumstances and are subject to change.
Benefits and Perks
Aside from the competitive salary that comes with each rank, the British Army offers a wide range of benefits and perks to their personnel, making it a fantastic choice for a rewarding career.
Overview of additional benefits and perks offered to British Army personnel
The British Army, provides its personnel with a variety of added benefits. These include:
- Comprehensive healthcare services
- Subsidized meals
- Free gym access
- Opportunities for travelling
Analysis of healthcare, leave, and training opportunities
One of the many benefits worth noting is the comprehensive healthcare provided to all personnel. This includes free medical and dental care.
The British Army also has an appealing leave policy. Soldiers are granted a vacation of approximately 38 days per annum.
Last but not least, the British Army is committed to the continuous professional growth of its personnel, offering countless training and development opportunities.
These are just a few of the well-rounded benefits that make the British Army an attractive place to work. Not only do you receive competitive pay, but you are also rewarded with comprehensive benefits that support your overall well-being and personal growth.
IX. Comparison to Other Military Forces
When comparing the British Army salaries to those of other military forces, it is vital to take into account the differences in rank equivalency, cost of living, and benefits offered.
| Rank | UK Army Salary (GBP) | US Army Salary (USD) | German Army Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private | 15,985 – 20,650 | 23,310 – 38,376 | 14,880 – 24,960 |
| Corporal | 27,326 – 32,076 | 27,378 – 41,472 | 21,840 – 36,000 |
| Sergeant | 32,344 – 41,221 | 30,606 – 54,720 | 25,920 – 42,000 |
| Lieutenant | 27,818 – 34,610 | 40,626 – 63,684 | 30,000 – 48,000 |
| Captain | 42,009 – 51,759 | 49,794 – 86,292 | 36,000 – 60,000 |
| Major | 54,615 – 61,087 | 58,638 – 101,736 | 48,000 – 72,000 |






