Australian Army Pay Scales 2025-2026

Salary rates, allowances, and take-home pay for all Army ranks. Updated November 2025.

Australian Army

ADF Workplace Remuneration Arrangement 2023–2026

Last Updated: 6 November 2025

Source: Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT)

Show:

Rank	Pay Grade	Starting Salary	Maximum Salary	Increments
Recruit Basic recruit training	OR-1	$60,517	$60,517	1 levels
Private Junior soldier	OR-2	$76,495	$79,154	3 levels
Private Proficient Qualified soldier	OR-3	$80,524	$83,349	3 levels
Corporal Junior non-commissioned officer	OR-4	$86,966	$89,857	3 levels
Sergeant Non-commissioned officer	OR-5	$97,575	$100,898	3 levels

Recruit

Basic recruit training

OR-11 levels

Starting

$60,517

Maximum

$60,517

Private

Junior soldier

OR-23 levels

Starting

$76,495

Maximum

$79,154

Private Proficient

Qualified soldier

OR-33 levels

Starting

$80,524

Maximum

$83,349

Corporal

Junior non-commissioned officer

OR-43 levels

Starting

$86,966

Maximum

$89,857

Sergeant

Non-commissioned officer

OR-53 levels

Starting

$97,575

Maximum

$100,898

Salaries effective November 6, 2025 and include Service Allowance. Additional allowances may apply based on role, location, and deployment.

Allowances & Benefits

Superannuation

Employer superannuation contribution

16.4%(vs 12% civilian standard)

Additional Allowances

Service Allowance

Included in base salary to compensate for military service conditions

•Built into published salary rates

Taxable

Deployment Allowance

Paid during warlike or non-warlike operations

•Force-assigned to deployment
•Entered operational area
•Rates vary by operation and threat level
•Reviewed every 6 months

Tax-free

District Allowance

Compensation for living in remote Australian locations

•Primary service location is remote
•Temporary duty in remote area for 21+ days
•Posted to seagoing ship with remote home port
•Rates vary by location and remoteness grade

Taxable

Military Factor Allowance

Compensates for unique hardships of military service environments

•12 tiers based on service environment
•Sea service, flying duties, field operations
•Paid at highest eligible tier per day

Taxable

Separation Allowance

Paid when separated from family due to service requirements

•Separated from dependents for extended periods
•Rates vary by circumstances

Taxable

Field Allowance

Paid during field exercises and operations

•Participating in field exercises
•Living in field conditions

Taxable

Additional Benefits

Free Medical and Dental Care

Comprehensive medical and dental care for serving members

ADF Family Health Program

Subsidised healthcare for family members

Home Purchase Assistance Scheme

Up to $16,949 (before tax) to assist with home purchase

Subsidised Home Loans

Access to subsidised home loan rates

Rent Allowance

Assistance with rental costs in certain circumstances

Fully Paid Training

Comprehensive training and professional development at no cost

Salary Packaging

Options to package salary for tax benefits

Retention Bonus

Cash bonuses to encourage retention (up to $40,000 from July 2025)

Tax-free allowance

Taxable allowance

About Australian Army Pay Scales

The Australian Army uses a rank-based pay structure with 17 rank levels across Enlisted, Warrant Officer, and Officer categories — ranging from $60,517 (Recruit, increment 0) up to $478,781 (most senior officer, top increment). Salaries are set by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) and reviewed annually.

Superannuation: Australian Army members receive 16.4% employer superannuation — significantly above the standard civilian rate of 12%. This is a major component of ADF total remuneration.

Salary Data Last Updated

6 November 2025 — Source: Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT)

Key Information

Salaries effective November 6, 2025 (3.4% increase)
Part of ADF Workplace Remuneration Arrangement 2023-2026
Total 11.2% increase over three years (2023-2026)
Salaries include Service Allowance
Additional allowances may apply (field service, deployment, etc.)
Superannuation at 16.4% (higher than civilian standard)

Compare with Other ADF Services

See how Australian Army salaries compare with other ADF services:

Navy RAAF All Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for an Army recruit in 2025-2026?

Army recruits (OR-1) start at $60,517 per year (effective November 2025). Upon completion of initial training and classification as a Private (OR-2), the salary range rises to $76,495–$79,154. All salaries are supplemented by 16.4% superannuation and applicable allowances.

What allowances do Australian Army personnel receive?

Army members may receive Field Allowance during field exercises and operations, Deployment Allowance (tax-free) during operational deployments, Military Factor Allowance based on posting conditions, District Allowance for remote postings, and Separation Allowance when separated from family. Specific amounts vary by role, rank, and location.

How does Army superannuation compare to civilian employment?

Army members receive 16.4% employer superannuation — significantly above the civilian standard of 12%. On a Sergeant salary of around $97,575–$100,898 per year, this equates to approximately $15,982–$16,547 in super contributions annually, compared to $11,709–$12,108 for a civilian on the same salary. This difference is a major factor in Army total remuneration.

What is the salary range for an Army Officer?

Army officers start as Officer Cadets (OF-D) at $60,517, rising to Lieutenant (OF-1) at $76,495–$79,154 and Captain (OF-2) at $95,847–$100,884. Major (OF-3) earns $115,629–$121,758 and Lieutenant Colonel (OF-4) earns $135,886–$143,039. Brigadiers and Generals earn well above $280,000.

What is the difference between Warrant Officer Class 1 and Class 2?

Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2, OR-6) is the more junior warrant officer rank with a salary range of $106,234–$111,753. Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1, OR-7) is senior to WO2, earning $117,408–$123,676. Both are senior non-commissioned officer roles with significant responsibilities and leadership duties.

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