How much does a soldier earn?
A salary or a pay? What military remuneration really hides.
How much does a military member earn in France? The answer is never simple. Unlike a regular employee, a military member does not receive a "salary" but a pay, a historical term that reflects the unique nature of their commitment to serving the nation. And behind this pay are bonuses, allowances, and in-kind benefits that can vary the actual remuneration from simple to triple depending on rank and situation.
Whether you are considering a career in the armed forces, are passionate about military history, or are simply curious, this comprehensive and updated guide for 2025 provides you with all the figures from soldier to general, including overseas operations and retirement.
The Military Salary Scale by Rank in 2025
The remuneration of a military member is based on the state public service salary scale, revised under the New Military Remuneration Policy (NPRM). The rank, seniority, and step determine the base salary, to which bonuses and benefits are then added.
Enlisted Soldiers: Soldiers and Corporals
Enlisted soldiers form the foundation of the army. The net salary of a starting soldier is between €1,600 and €1,700 per month. According to statistics from the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the average net salary for this category reached €2,195 net in 2023, showing a constant increase. A senior corporal with experience can earn between €2,200 and €2,600 net excluding OPEX, often including housing and meals.
Non-Commissioned Officers: Sergeants and Warrant Officers
Non-commissioned officers are the backbone of operational leadership. A starting sergeant earns about €1,800 to €2,200 net per month. With experience and qualifications, a chief warrant officer can exceed €3,000 to €3,400 net, including bonuses.
Lieutenant Officers, Captains, and Colonels
Officers from the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr start between €2,200 and €2,500 net. An experienced captain earns between €3,200 and €4,000 net. An experienced colonel can earn between €5,500 and €7,000 net per month.
General Officers
At the top of the hierarchy, a brigadier general earns about €5,600 gross, while an army general can reach €7,500 net or more. These salaries come with responsibility bonuses and command-related benefits.
| Rank | Net salary (base) | With bonuses | In OPEX (estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soldier / Sailor | 1 600 – 1 700 € | 2 100 – 2 400 € | 3 500 – 4 000 € |
| Chief Corporal | 1 700 – 2 075 € | 2 300 – 2 600 € | 3 800 – 4 300 € |
| Sergeant | 1 800 – 2 200 € | 2 400 – 2 800 € | 4 000 – 4 800 € |
| Chief Warrant Officer | 2 400 – 2 700 € | 3 000 – 3 400 € | 4 500 – 5 500 € |
| Lieutenant / Captain | 2 200 – 3 200 € | 3 200 – 4 000 € | 5 000 – 6 000 € |
| Colonel | 4 500 – 6 000 € | 5 500 – 7 000 € | 7 500 – 9 000 € |
| Army General | 7,500 € + | 9,000 € + | N/A |
Sources: Ministry of the Armed Forces — EcoDef Statistics 2024 / index grid 2025.
The bonuses and allowances that really make a difference
The base salary represents only a part of a military member's actual remuneration. Bonuses and allowances often double or even triple it in certain situations.
The military charge allowance (ICM)
Paid to all active military personnel, the ICM compensates for the inherent constraints of the status: permanent availability 24/7, constrained geographical mobility, strict political neutrality. It is automatically added to the base salary and varies according to rank and family situation.
OPEX bonuses: when the salary soars
It is during overseas operations (OPEX) that military pay reaches its highest level. The Foreign Service Indemnity (ISSE) is equivalent to 1.5 times the base salary and is completely tax-exempt. An enlisted member in OPEX can see their monthly income increase by an additional 3,500 to 4,000 € net.
In-kind benefits: housing, meals, and discounts
Beyond the raw figures, military personnel benefit from in-kind advantages representing an estimated gain of 600 to 900 € per month:
- Free or heavily subsidized housing on military bases
- Free meals on working days (military mess)
- 75% discount on SNCF tickets for the military and their family
- Comprehensive medical coverage by the Armed Forces Health Service
- Access to sports, cultural, and recreational facilities of the armed forces
How much does a military member earn in retirement?
The issue of military retirement is often unknown to the general public; however, it is one of the most significant advantages of military status.
An early retirement by rank
Unlike civilians who retire at 62–64 years old, military personnel benefit from an early retirement scheme. Enlisted personnel can retire after 17 years of service. Non-commissioned officers and officers have specific conditions depending on their corps, with possible retirements between 27 and 37 years of service.
The calculation of military retirement pension
The military pension is calculated based on the reference salary and the number of validated years of service. A soldier who has completed a full career can expect to receive between 60 and 75 % of their last salary. For example, a chief warrant officer retiring after 27 years of service can receive a pension of about €1,800 to €2,200 net per month.
FAQ: The most frequently asked questions about military pay
Does a soldier pay taxes on their salary?
Yes, in most cases. The base salary and current bonuses are subject to income tax. However, the pay received during overseas operations (OPEX) is completely tax-exempt, which represents a significant tax advantage for deployed soldiers.
How much does a soldier earn in OPEX compared to their usual salary?
In OPEX, a soldier can see their pay nearly double. The ISSE is equivalent to 1.5 times the base salary, fully tax-exempt. For a rank-and-file soldier earning €2,000 net normally, the income in OPEX can exceed €4,000 to €5,000 net depending on the deployment area.
Is military pay competitive compared to the private sector?
In gross salary, a rank-and-file soldier at the beginning of their career is barely above the minimum wage. However, by including free housing, meals, medical coverage, bonuses, and early retirement, the overall real compensation often exceeds 25 to 35 % of what the net salary alone indicates.
Conclusion
How much does a soldier earn in France? From a starting soldier at €1,600 net to a general at over €7,500, the range is wide — but it's the entire package (bonuses, benefits in kind, early retirement) that makes a military career truly attractive. In OPEX, the pay can easily double or even triple, making the military profession one of the best-paid jobs when all factors are considered.
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