To become a general, an Army officer must devote many years to his craft. In the National Guard, this part-time career is complicated by the fact that he probably has a dynamic civilian career as well. Skill and expertise combine to provide a Major General with an appropriate salary and benefits.

Base Pay

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Base pay is the flat salary soldiers and officers earn every month. It is mandated and raised by Congress every year, and is fully taxable. In the National Guard, monthly drills normally pay four days of base pay, figured by active duty monthly pay rates.

Time in Service

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Once an officer is promoted to Major General, as with all promotions, his base pay is figured based on how many years he has served in the Army. As of January 2010, an MG in the National Guard, with 22 years of service, earns approximately $25,208 annually.

Special Pay

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While on active duty, an MG in the National Guard receives special pay for which he is qualified. This might include a percentage of $150 per month in jump pay for airborne soldiers, or a percentage of approximately $400 per month in language pay for those who are proficient in a foreign language.

Basic Allowance for Subsistence and Quarters

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A Major General in the Guard is paid a prorated, non-taxable allowance for subsistence and housing while on active duty. The food allowance is a flat rate for officers, as of January 2010, a percentage of $223.04 per month. A housing allowance for a married MG in the Guard is a percentage of $970.50.

Hazard and Combat Pay

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During times of crisis, members of the National Guard serve in an active duty capacity. During an overseas deployment to Iraq, for instance, a Major General in the Guard would receive $225, non-taxable, per month in combat pay.