Infantrymen in the U.S. Army with the military occupational specialty (MOS) code 11B are among the lowest paid soldiers in the Army. However, their compensation includes more than just basic pay. There are several factors that determine how much 11Bs get paid.
Basic Pay
An 11B’s base pay depends on their rank and years of service. 11Bs can enlist at the rank of Private (E-1) up to Specialist (E-4). Promotions up to Sergeant and Staff Sergeant are competitive, based on time in service, leadership potential, and performance. Here are the current 2023 pay scales for 11B ranks:
| Rank | Less than 2 years | 2-3 years | 4-6 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private E-1 | $1,885/month | – | – |
| Private E-2 | $2,042/month | – | – |
| Private First Class E-3 | $2,266/month | $2,266/month | – |
| Specialist E-4 | $2,555/month | $2,555/month | $2,555/month |
| Sergeant E-5 | – | $2,769/month | $2,769/month |
| Staff Sergeant E-6 | – | – | $3,035/month |
As shown in the table, the longer an 11B serves, the higher their basic pay will be. After 6 years, they may qualify for even higher pay grades.
Allowances
In addition to base pay, 11Bs receive various allowances:
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): A monthly stipend for food. In 2023, enlisted BAS is $382.71 per month.
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): A monthly stipend to pay for housing off-base. BAH varies by location and dependents. The national average for an E-5 with dependents is $1,647/month.
- Clothing allowance: Around $500 per year to purchase and maintain uniforms.
- Overseas Cost of Living Allowance: Up to $500 per month for 11Bs stationed outside the continental US.
So in addition to base pay, the average Sergeant (E-5) 11B could receive over $2,500 per month in allowances.
Bonuses & Incentives
The Army offers bonuses to attract and retain soldiers in specific MOSs. Bonuses for 11B include:
- Enlistment bonus: Up to $40,000 for new recruits who enlist for 6 years.
- Reenlistment bonus: Up to $80,000 for soldiers who reenlist for 6 more years.
- Deployment extension bonus: $500 per month to extend deployment beyond 1 year.
- Assignment incentive pay: Up to $3,000 per year for serving in assignments in high demand.
These bonuses are taxable income. They are paid either in lump sums or installments over time, depending on the bonus.
Special & Incentive Pay
11Bs may qualify for the following special and incentive pay:
- Hazardous duty pay: An additional $150 to $250 per month while deployed to a designated danger zone.
- Flight pay: $150 to over $250 per month for air assault training and operations.
- Foreign language proficiency pay: $100 to $500 per month for achieving proficiency in a strategic foreign language.
Other Compensation
11Bs receive additional compensation through the following benefits:
- Free housing and meals: While deployed, all living expenses are covered.
- Free healthcare: All medical and dental expenses are covered for soldiers and low-cost family plans are available.
- Tax advantage: Allowances for combat zone service and housing are tax-exempt.
- Commissary and PX shopping: Tax-free shopping at military stores saves 30% off typical prices.
- GI Bill education benefits: Up to $26,381 per year after serving 36 months.
These benefits conservatively add over $10,000 per year in indirect compensation for 11Bs.
Potential Total Compensation
Adding up the pay, allowances, bonuses, incentive pay and indirect compensation, an 11B could earn the following:
| Rank | Annual Base Pay | Allowances | Bonuses | Incentive Pay | Indirect Compensation | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private E-1 | $22,620 | $9,600 | – | – | $10,000 | $42,220 |
| Sergeant E-5 | $33,228 | $29,769 | $20,000 | $2,400 | $15,000 | $100,397 |
These estimates are based on averages and examples. An 11B’s total compensation can vary greatly based on location, family status, qualifications, and other factors.
Conclusion
While base pay for 11Bs is modest, their total compensation package can be quite substantial. An experienced 11B Sergeant could earn over $100,000 per year when all pay, allowances, bonuses, incentive pay and indirect compensation are included. However, these soldiers earn every penny by accepting the dangers and sacrifices of serving on the front lines.