How much does a 1st Sgt make?
Olivia Hensley
Updated on February 18, 2026
Starting pay for a First Sergeant is $4,739.10 per month, with raises for experience resulting in a maximum base pay of $6,759.00 per month. You can use the simple calculator below to see basic and drill pay for a First Sergeant, or visit our Army pay calculator for a more detailed salary estimate.
Is First Sergeant a high rank?
The position of first sergeant is the highest US Army NCO rank position that is still in a direct "hands-on" leadership setting, as are command sergeant major (CSM/E-9) positions in a battalion command or higher level unit assignments of higher rank.How long does it take to become a 1st sergeant?
There are no minimum time-in-grade requirements for promotion to E-7, E-8, or E-9, but soldiers must meet the following minimum time-in-service requirements to be eligible for promotion: Sergeant First Class (E-7) — Six years. Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8) — Eight years. Sergeant Major (E-9) — Nine years.How much do sergeant's get paid in the Army?
A Sergeant is a noncommissioned officer in the United States Army at DoD paygrade E-5. A Sergeant receives a monthly basic pay salary starting at $2,610 per month, with raises up to $3,704 per month once they have served for over 12 years.What does a 1st sergeant do?
The First Sergeant is responsible for individual training within their unit. The First Sergeant is responsible to ensure their Soldiers are proficient in their MOS and with their Warrior Tasks. In essence, their top duty is to ensure their troops are mentally and physically prepared for combat.What soldiers do at each enlisted rank
Do first sergeants get special duty pay?
AFPC said first sergeants will still receive the same monthly special duty pay, which is now either $150 or $300, depending on their assignment. To qualify, an airman must have one year time-in-grade as a master sergeant before being nominated. Airmen who are interested should search “first sergeant” on myPers.How do you become a first sergeant?
First sergeants are selected through a combination of application and nomination. Once an NCO applies, the application goes through a wing command chief, to a wing commander, to a major command chief, and on to the Military Personnel Center. Sometimes, a nominee will not be released from his primary career field.What rank should you be after 20 years in the Army?
Amongst the enlisted ranks, retention control points (RCPs) restrict maximum time in service by rank. Staff Sergeant (E6) is necessary to serve 20 years and earn a pension.Do you get a pension after 4 years in the military?
You'll need to serve 20 years or more to qualify for the lifetime monthly annuity. Your retirement benefit is determined by your years of service. It's calculated at 2.5% times your highest 36 months of basic pay.Is military pay taxed?
In the military, the federal government generally only taxes base pay, and many states waive income taxes. Other military pay—things like housing allowances, combat pay or cost-of-living adjustments—isn't taxed.What rank do most enlisted retire at?
It is reasonable to assume that the average enlisted member will be able to retire at 20 years having achieved the rank of E-7, and the average officer should be able to retire at 20 years at the rank of O-5.How many soldiers does a first sergeant command?
FIRST SERGEANT (1SG)He assists officers at the company level (62 to 190 Soldiers).
Can you make sergeant in 3 years?
Sergeant RequirementsThe time-in-service requirement for attaining eligibility for promotion to sergeant (SGT) is 36 months Active Federal Service for the primary zone and 18 months for the secondary zone.