Serve Your State. Get Paid for Your Commitment.
When you join the Army National Guard, you’ll earn steady, reliable pay while gaining valuable experience and benefits. Whether you serve part-time while pursuing school or work full-time during training, your service comes with financial rewards that grow as you do.
How Guard pay works
Your pay depends on rank and years of service.
You earn pay for each drill period, annual training, and any active duty time.
Payments are made monthly through direct deposit.
Promotions and additional training mean higher pay over time.
Weekend Drill Pay
Each month, you’ll typically train one weekend — that’s four drill periods, and you get paid for each one.
Example:
An entry-level Soldier (E-1) earns about $250–$300 per month for drill weekends.
As you advance, an E-4 can earn around $350–$400, and higher ranks earn even more.
Quick Facts:
You’re paid for every drill period completed.
Training weekends count toward your retirement and benefits.
Annual Training Pay
Every year, you’ll complete two weeks of full-time training.
During this period, you’re paid as if you were on active duty.
You may also qualify for additional training opportunities throughout the year that include full-time pay.
Active Duty Pay is paid during extended training, such as basic combat training and advanced individual training, or when you are deployed for any reason
Bonuses, and Other Pay and Allowances
Signing Bonuses:
Certain jobs offer enlistment or re-enlistment bonuses — up to thousands of dollars based on your MOS and contract length.
Other Pay and Allowances Include:
Housing Allowance (BAH): Provided during active duty or extended training.
Meal Allowance (BAS): Covers daily meals during full-time service.
Specialty Pay: Available for certain skills or missions (e.g., Airborne, Medical, or Language Pay).