Military Police

All military personnel are paid according to a pay scale that is established by the U.S. government. The pay is based on a grade level, which is determined by years of experience and advanced training in the field. The pay for equivalent grades is the same in all services; for example, individuals with a grade of E-4 will have the same basic pay in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Special allowances include special duty pay and foreign duty pay. Earnings increase as individuals advance in rank. Members of the military receive free housing, food, and health care.

In 2020, enlisted personnel at the E-2 pay grade level, with more than two years' experience, had monthly earnings of about $1,943, or $23,316 per year. A military police sergeant, or any enlisted personnel, at the pay grade level of E-5 with more than four years of experience earned about $2,891 per month, or $34,692 annually. Level E-9 personnel with more than 12 years of experience earned nearly $5,597 per month, or $67,164 per year.

Military personnel are also given uniform allowances, 30 days' paid vacation time each year, and the opportunity to retire after 20 years of service. Generally, retirees receive 40 percent of the average of the highest three years of their base pay. This amount rises incrementally, reaching 75 percent of the average of the highest three years of base pay after 30 years of service. All retirement provisions are subject to change; be sure to verify this and current salary information before enlisting. Those who retire after 20 years of service are usually in their 40s, allowing options for careers in civilian protective services work or other fields.