What is the salary for military police?

I'm curious about the financial aspect of joining the military police. What kind of salary can I expect as a military police officer, and does it vary significantly with experience or rank?

As a military professional, you will receive a salary (referred to as 'pay') that is commensurate with your rank and years of service. As a military police officer, your pay would start at the base level for your rank, and then increase as you advance in rank and accumulate years of service. All members of the military also receive a substantial package of benefits, which can significantly augment your total compensation.

The exact pay scale is publicly available and updated yearly, but as a rough estimate for 2025—an E-1 (the lowest enlisted rank) starting out would earn around $21,206 a year in base pay, but remember this doesn't take into account the numerous benefits and allowances like free healthcare, housing, and meals that military personnel receive. The base pay increases as you advance in ranks and years of service.

For instance, an E-4 with over 3 years of service would make about $36,795 in base pay, and an E-6, a fairly common rank for military police, with over 6 years of service would make over $45,000 in base pay. Officers make significantly more. A freshly commissioned O-1 officer would start at over $45,000 in base pay, increasing with promotion and time in service.

Keep in mind that these amounts do not include potential allowances for housing or subsistence, special duty pay, or bonuses that could considerably increase your total income. These benefits make military compensation competitive with similar civilian jobs. Plus, the military offers a retirement pension after 20 years of service, something few civilian jobs offer.

However, military life can be stressful and demanding, with long hours, periods away from family, and the possibility to be stationed in conflict zones. Therefore, while the financial aspects are important, it's also vital to consider whether the lifestyle and duties of a military police officer align with your personal preferences and career goals.