The Australian Army plays a critical role in national defence, international peacekeeping, and emergency response operations. Within this respected institution, commissioned officers hold leadership roles that demand discipline, responsibility, and strategic thinking. A common question for many prospective recruits and defence career seekers is: How much do Australian Army Officers earn per month?
In 2025, the Australian Army Officer monthly salary pay scale by rank reflects both the high standards of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the structured nature of its pay system. From junior officers to high-ranking generals, salaries are aligned with experience, responsibility, and position.
This article will break down everything you need to know about Australian Army Officer salaries by rank, monthly earnings, allowances, training incentives, and career benefits. Whether you're thinking of joining, currently serving, or simply curious about military compensation in Australia, this detailed guide has all the answers.
Understanding the Australian Army Officer Rank Structure
Before looking at the pay scale, it’s important to understand how ranks in the Australian Army are structured. Officer ranks are separate from enlisted (soldier) ranks and represent leadership positions.
Here is the basic Australian Army Officer rank hierarchy, from entry-level to senior command:
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Officer Cadet (in training)
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Lieutenant
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Captain
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Major
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Lieutenant Colonel
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Colonel
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Brigadier
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Major General
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Lieutenant General
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General (Chief of Defence Force, if from the Army)
Salaries increase with each rank, reflecting greater responsibility, leadership, and years of service.
Overview of Australian Army Officer Salary System
The Australian Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) sets salary rates for all Army officers. Pay rates are reviewed annually and published publicly in the ADF Pay and Conditions Manual.
Factors that affect monthly salary include:
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Rank and Level: Higher ranks receive higher base pay
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Years of Service: More experienced officers earn more within the same rank
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Postings and Location: Some roles include additional location-based allowances
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Specialist Skills: Officers with technical or operational expertise may receive extra pay
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Deployments: Extra allowances are paid during active service overseas
All salaries mentioned in this guide reflect base monthly pay before tax, excluding superannuation, bonuses, and allowances unless stated.
Australian Army Officer Monthly Salary Pay Scale by Rank (2025)
Let’s now explore the monthly salary range for each Australian Army Officer rank based on the 2025 updates.
1. Officer Cadet (OCdt)
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Monthly Salary: $4,350 – $5,000
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Annual Equivalent: $52,200 – $60,000
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Description: Officer Cadets are in training, typically at the Royal Military College, Duntroon. They receive full pay while undergoing military and leadership education.
2. Lieutenant (LT)
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Monthly Salary: $5,900 – $6,300
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Annual Equivalent: $70,800 – $75,600
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Responsibilities:
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Lead a platoon of 30–40 soldiers
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Implement training and mission directives
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Report to Captains or Majors
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Lieutenants are the first commissioned rank after completing officer training.
3. Captain (CAPT)
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Monthly Salary: $7,000 – $8,000
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Annual Equivalent: $84,000 – $96,000
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Responsibilities:
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Command larger teams or operational units
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Plan and coordinate missions
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Provide mentoring to Lieutenants
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Captains may also specialise in logistics, intelligence, engineering, or medical units.
4. Major (MAJ)
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Monthly Salary: $8,400 – $9,600
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Annual Equivalent: $100,800 – $115,200
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Responsibilities:
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Serve as executive officers or battalion staff
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Oversee administration and operations
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Advise senior commanders
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Majors often hold key staff roles in HQ or training commands.
5. Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL)
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Monthly Salary: $10,200 – $11,300
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Annual Equivalent: $122,400 – $135,600
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Responsibilities:
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Command a battalion (300–1,000 personnel)
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Develop operational strategies
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Represent the Army in inter-agency collaboration
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Lieutenant Colonels are highly experienced and serve in both domestic and overseas leadership roles.
6. Colonel (COL)
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Monthly Salary: $12,200 – $13,400
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Annual Equivalent: $146,400 – $160,800
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Responsibilities:
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Lead brigade operations or serve in senior staff roles
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Coordinate multi-battalion activities
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Policy and strategic planning
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Colonels are senior officers with considerable decision-making authority.
7. Brigadier (BRIG)
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Monthly Salary: $14,500 – $15,800
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Annual Equivalent: $174,000 – $189,600
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Responsibilities:
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Oversee combat brigades and joint-task forces
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Direct regional operations
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Mentor subordinate commanders
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Brigadiers may also work directly with national security advisors or international partners.
8. Major General (MAJGEN)
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Monthly Salary: $17,000 – $18,500
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Annual Equivalent: $204,000 – $222,000
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Responsibilities:
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Command divisions or oversee Army-wide functions
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Set defence policy
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Report to the Chief of Army and Defence leadership
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One of the highest field ranks, requiring over 20 years of service.
9. Lieutenant General (LTGEN)
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Monthly Salary: $20,000 – $21,500
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Annual Equivalent: $240,000 – $258,000
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Responsibilities:
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Serve as Chief of Army or Vice Chief of Defence
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Shape long-term defence capability
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Engage in global defence strategy
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This is a strategic leadership role with limited appointments nationally.
10. General (GEN)
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Monthly Salary: $23,000 – $24,500+
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Annual Equivalent: $276,000 – $294,000+
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Responsibilities:
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Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) if from Army
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National and international military leadership
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Advising government on security matters
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This is the highest military position in the country when filled by an Army officer.
Summary Table: Australian Army Officer Monthly Pay by Rank (2025)
| Rank | Monthly Salary Range | Annual Equivalent | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Officer Cadet | $4,350 – $5,000 | $52,200 – $60,000 | Training and military education |
| Lieutenant | $5,900 – $6,300 | $70,800 – $75,600 | Lead platoons, junior leadership |
| Captain | $7,000 – $8,000 | $84,000 – $96,000 | Team command, planning, admin |
| Major | $8,400 – $9,600 | $100,800 – $115,200 | Battalion staff roles, strategic planning |
| Lieutenant Colonel | $10,200 – $11,300 | $122,400 – $135,600 | Battalion command, high-level coordination |
| Colonel | $12,200 – $13,400 | $146,400 – $160,800 | Brigade planning and policy roles |
| Brigadier | $14,500 – $15,800 | $174,000 – $189,600 | Task force command, leadership training |
| Major General | $17,000 – $18,500 | $204,000 – $222,000 | Division command, national defence policy |
| Lieutenant General | $20,000 – $21,500 | $240,000 – $258,000 | Chief of Army, executive leadership |
| General | $23,000 – $24,500+ | $276,000 – $294,000+ | Chief of Defence Force, strategic leadership |
Additional Benefits and Allowances
Beyond their base pay, Australian Army Officers enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:
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Superannuation (MilitarySuper): Generous employer contributions
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Housing Assistance: Defence Housing Australia (DHA) schemes
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Uniform and Equipment Allowances
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Deployment Pay: Significant extra compensation for international missions
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Medical and Dental: Free ADF health services
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Annual Leave: Over 20 days per year, plus extra leave for deployments
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Training Opportunities: Funded university courses and professional development
These benefits add considerable value to an Army officer’s total compensation.
Path to Promotion and Salary Growth
Salary increases occur in two main ways:
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Annual Increment Steps: Officers move up steps within their rank every 12 months based on performance
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Promotion to Higher Ranks: Officers can apply or be selected for promotion after set periods, passing leadership and command courses
Performance, education, and leadership potential play key roles in promotion timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does an Australian Army Officer make per month?
Monthly pay ranges from around $4,350 for cadets to over $24,500 for the highest-ranking generals, depending on experience and role.
2. Do Army Officers get paid during training?
Yes. Officer Cadets receive a full monthly salary during training at Duntroon or ADFA.
3. Are Australian Army salaries tax-free?
No. Army salaries are subject to standard Australian taxation, but various deductions and allowances can reduce tax liability.
4. What is the difference between a soldier and an officer in salary?
Officers earn significantly more due to leadership responsibilities, often starting at nearly double the salary of an enlisted soldier.
5. Can an Army Officer earn over $200,000 per year?
Yes. Ranks of Major General and above typically earn over $200,000 annually before allowances.
6. Do officers receive housing?
Yes. Officers may receive housing assistance through DHA or rental subsidies depending on their posting.
7. How often do salaries increase?
Base salaries increase annually via step progression and may increase further through promotions or national pay updates.
8. Are Army Officer salaries the same across Australia?
Base pay is standard, but regional postings may include location-specific allowances that affect total take-home pay.
9. What qualifications do you need to become an Army Officer?
A high school certificate or university degree is usually required, along with successful completion of officer training.
10. Are bonuses or incentives offered?
Yes. Recruitment bonuses, language proficiency pay, and deployment allowances are available for eligible officers.
Conclusion: Is a Career as an Army Officer Financially Worthwhile?
Becoming an Australian Army Officer is not just a path to serve and lead — it is also a professionally rewarding career with structured salaries, clear promotions, and exceptional benefits. In 2025, monthly pay for officers continues to rise in line with national public sector trends and Defence Force requirements.
Whether you're starting as a cadet or aspiring to lead entire divisions, the Australian Army offers financial security, leadership development, and national pride. If you're ready for the challenge, the financial rewards are among the best in the Australian public service.
To get started, visit the official ADF Careers website or talk to a Defence recruiter in your area.