Army sergeants are paid a salary based on the Defense Finance and Accounting Services military pay charts. These charts are updated annually, and you can view them on the DFAS website. Sergeants also receive additional allowances, bonuses, special pay and benefits.
Annual Base Salary
According to DFAS, Army sergeants at the E5 pay grade earn a base salary of $2,202.90 to $3,125.70 per month, as of 2015. Those with less than two years of service start at the low end of the pay scale; those with 12 or more years of service earn the highest monthly salary for the pay grade. Soldiers receive pay on the first and fifteenth of each month.
Additional Army Allowances
The Army also offers basic allowances for housing and subsistence. All enlisted members who receive the basic allowance for subsistence are paid $367.92, as of 2015. Sergeants at the E5 pay grade earn a basic allowance for housing of $666.90 per month. This amount increases to $889.20 if the sergeant has any dependents. Sergeants also earn a clothing allowance to help cover the costs of replacement uniforms.
Special Pay and Bonuses
Sergeants who perform specialized or dangerous duties may earn special pay for those assignments. For example, sergeants who work on flight decks, parachute or perform demolition duties may earn Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay of $150, as of 2015.
In addition, sergeants with desired skills may qualify for enlistment bonuses. For example, soldiers who complete the Army Ranger indoctrination program or enlist in airborne earn a bonus of $10,000, as of 2015. Bonus opportunities vary based on the needs of the Army.
Deployment Compensation
When deployed, soldiers may qualify to earn additional compensation. Sergeants who have dependents earn a Family Separation Allowance of $250 per month. Deployment to some dangerous locations qualifies sergeants for an Imminent Danger Pay/Hostile Fire Pay of $150 per month, as of 2015.
Benefits for Soldiers
All Army soldiers also receive a comprehensive benefits package in addition to monetary compensation. Soldiers are automatically enrolled in TRICARE, the military health care plan that offers both medical and dental benefits. They also receive a low-cost policy with Service Members' Group Life Insurance that ranges from $10,000 to $400,000. In addition, sergeants receive 30 days of paid vacation each year, as of 2015.
