Military Officer Salary
by City (2026)
Lead military personnel in defense operations, administration, and logistics. National median: $82K/year. See how your city compares.
Military Officer salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $82K Military Officer salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βMilitary Officer Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Military Officer is $82,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $55,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $115,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Military Officers nationally earn $155,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's degree; officer training school. This role is 5% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Military Officer compensation is growing at 2% annually, near the national average wage growth rate.
Military Officer salary FAQ
How much does a Military Officer make?
The median Military Officer salary in the US is $82,000 per year β about $39/hour. Most earn between $55,000 (25th percentile) and $115,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Military Officer?
Entry-level Military Officer positions typically start around $55,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Military Officers earn?
The top 10% of Military Officers earn $155,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Military Officers the most?
Washington has the highest median Military Officer salary at $119K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Military Officer salaries going up?
Yes β Military Officer pay is growing about 2% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.