Junior Enlisted May Get Major Pay Raise in 2025

The time has come to pay junior enlisted troops what they deserve. Military life is tough enough without being grossly underpaid.

As a former Army officer and writer for SOFREP, I’ve seen my fair share of changes in military compensation over the years. However, the upcoming proposed pay raise for junior enlisted troops in 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most significant in recent memory. Let’s break down what’s on the horizon and what it means for our youngest service members.

The Big Pay Boost

If passed, Congress is set to deliver a substantial pay increase to junior enlisted personnel, addressing long-standing concerns about the financial struggles faced by our newest recruits.

Here’s what you need to know:

Junior enlisted troops (E-1 to E-4) will see a sizable 14.5% pay raise in 2025
This translates to an additional $3,000 to $6,000 in basic pay annually for these service members.
The rest of the force isn’t left out, with a 4.5% across-the-board pay raise for all other ranks.

This move is part of a larger effort to improve the quality of life for service members and tackle the ongoing challenges of recruitment and retention that have been plaguing our military.

Food for soldiers — This is NOT a photo of airmen helping out at a local food bank. This is the local community around Buckley Air Force Base reaching out to help service members in need at the base chapel. A 2023 Military Family Support Programming Survey found that one in five (20%) of military and veteran families were experiencing food insecurity, with this number rising to one in four (25%) among active duty families. Photo by Airman 1st Class Darryl Bolden, Jr.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Let’s put this into perspective. For many lower-ranking enlisted troops currently earning less than $30,000 in base pay, this boost could push their annual salaries over the $40,000 mark. That’s a big help for young soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines trying to make ends meet.

For the rest of the force, the 4.5% raise is nothing to sneeze at, either. It represents the third consecutive year of pay increases exceeding 4%.

To give you an idea:

An E-7 with 10 years of service will see about $200 more per month.
An O-4 with 12 years in will pocket an extra $400 monthly

More Than a Pay Raise

Congress isn’t stopping at paychecks. The proposed changes include:

$2 billion+ for new barracks and family housing
Expanded bonuses and hiring incentives for medical personnel
Increased salaries for childcare workers on military bases

These additions aim to address some of the most pressing issues affecting military families, from housing conditions to healthcare access.

The Road Ahead

While this pay raise is a significant step, it’s important to note that it’s not yet a done deal. The larger defense authorization bill still needs to clear some hurdles:

Approval by the full Congress
Agreement on funding to cover the increased paychecks

The timeline for final approval is tight, with the US House of Representatives poised to vote this week on the compromise National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025. The across-the-board 4.5% raise is set to take effect at the beginning of the year, while the supplementary increase for junior enlisted troops is slated to begin in April.

Two ways to continue to read this article.

The Bigger Picture As a veteran, I can tell you that this pay raise is about more than just money. It’s about recognizing the value and sacrifice of our youngest troops. Many of these junior enlisted members are fresh out of high school, taking on responsibilities that their civilian peers can hardly imagine. This pay boost acknowledges the unique challenges they face: High operational tempo Frequent moves and deployments The stress of military life on young families By ensuring that even the most junior ranks earn a living wage, we’re investing in the future of our armed forces. It’s a statement that says, “We value your service from day one.” Everyone wants to feel valued. Looking Forward While this pay raise is a positive step, it’s only part of an ongoing conversation about military compensation. The Pentagon is currently conducting a comprehensive review of service member pay, which could lead to further changes down the line. As we move forward, it’s crucial that we continue to evaluate and adjust military compensation to ensure it remains competitive with the civilian sector. It’s about supporting the all-volunteer force that has served our nation so well. In Conclusion The proposed pay raise for junior enlisted troops is a significant and welcome development. It addresses a long-standing issue in military compensation and demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of our service members. As an American, I’m encouraged to see this level of support for our youngest troops. It’s a recognition of their service and a smart investment in the future of our military. And while there’s always more work to be done, this pay raise is a step in the right direction for those who stand ready to defend our nation.