Do you get paid in the National Guard?
Yes. As a National Guard Soldier, you'll be paid for every day you serve, including monthly drill, annual training, job training and deployments.
Part-Time Service. Real Pay.
One of the biggest benefits of joining the National Guard is getting paid while keeping your civilian life on track. As a Guard Soldier, you earn income for the time you serve — alongside school, work or family.
How guard pay works
National Guard service is designed to be part-time with predictable commitments. Most Soldiers serve through:
Estimate Your Guard Pay
Use the National Guard Pay Calculator to get a quick estimate of what you could earn based on your rank and time in service. Most Soldiers start as enlisted with no college degree required, while officers typically have a degree or are on track to earn one.
Guard Pay FAQs
How much do you make in the National Guard?
Your pay depends on your rank and time in service. As you gain experience and advance in rank, your pay increases. Use the Guard Pay Calculator above to estimate your earnings.
Do you get paid for drill weekends?
Yes. You are paid for monthly drill, which typically consists of one weekend per month (about two days).
Yes. You are paid for monthly drill, which typically consists of one weekend per month (about two days).
Do you get paid during Annual Training?
Yes. During Annual Training (usually about two weeks per year), you are considered to be on Active Duty and paid at Active Duty rates.
What happens during a drill weekend?
Drill weekends usually take place at a local armory or designated training site and may include:
• Job-specific training
• Physical fitness
• Equipment maintenance
• Weapons qualification
• Unit readiness exercises
Do National Guard Soldiers get paid during training and deployment?
Yes. Any time you are activated or deployed for training, domestic missions or overseas service you earn Active Duty pay for the full duration.
Can I earn extra pay or housing allowances?
In addition to basic pay, Service members may also receive allowances or extra pay connected to specific military service. Eligibility is based on service status, length of orders, duty location and dependents.
Is National Guard pay taxed?
You only pay federal income tax on your base pay. Certain bonuses and pay earned while serving overseas may be tax-exempt, allowing you to keep more of what you earn.
Is the National Guard pay calculator accurate?
The calculator provides estimates based on typical pay tables.
Actual total pay may vary depending on your rank, time in service, order type and duration and eligibility for additional allowances or incentives.
Why Guard Pay Matters
National Guard pay gives you income for the time you serve, without requiring full-time service. You can earn, build experience and keep your civilian life on track.