Are you searching for the complete UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) salary structure for 2025? You are not alone. Many people in the UK want to know how much staff working at the Ministry of Defence earn, including the grades, job roles, and the benefits that come with these positions.
The UK Ministry of Defence employs thousands of civilian and military personnel across different grades and departments. Their salary structure is set by the UK government and reviewed periodically to remain competitive and fair.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the UK Ministry of Defence salary structure in 2025. Whether you are applying for a role at the MoD or simply curious about how much staff earn, you will find all the information you need here.
Why You Should Understand the UK Ministry of Defence Salary Structure
It is important to understand the salary structure at the MoD because:
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It helps you plan your career if you want to work in defence or public service.
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It gives you realistic salary expectations when applying for MoD jobs.
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It helps you negotiate effectively and know what benefits you can expect.
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It shows you how the grades and progression work in a large UK government department.
Working at the MoD can be a rewarding experience both financially and professionally. The salaries, benefits, and pensions make it a stable career choice for many.
How Much Do UK Ministry of Defence Staff Earn in 2025?
In 2025, salaries at the UK Ministry of Defence vary greatly depending on your grade, job title, experience, and whether you are military or civilian staff.
On average, civilian staff salaries in the MoD start from about £21,000 per year at lower grades and can rise to over £120,000 per year for senior positions.
Military personnel have a separate pay scale based on their rank, which is also covered in this guide.
Below, we’ll explain the salary structure by grades and roles to give you a clear picture.
UK Ministry of Defence Salary Structure by Grades (Civilian Staff)
Civilian jobs at the MoD are classified into grades that align with the UK Civil Service grading system. Each grade has a salary range based on experience and responsibilities.
Here is a detailed breakdown of MoD civilian staff salaries by grade in 2025:
1. Administrative Assistant (AA)
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Entry-level role.
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Salary Range: £21,000 – £24,000 per year.
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Duties: General administrative support, filing, data entry.
2. Administrative Officer (AO)
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One step higher than AA.
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Salary Range: £23,000 – £27,000 per year.
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Duties: Managing teams of AAs, dealing with public inquiries, processing paperwork.
3. Executive Officer (EO)
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Junior management level.
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Salary Range: £28,000 – £33,000 per year.
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Duties: Supervising AOs, handling projects, report writing.
4. Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
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Mid-level management role.
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Salary Range: £35,000 – £42,000 per year.
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Duties: Leading teams, managing budgets, policy development.
5. Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
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Senior management.
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Salary Range: £42,000 – £49,000 per year.
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Duties: Overseeing large teams or significant projects, strategic planning.
6. Grade 7
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Senior leadership role.
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Salary Range: £51,000 – £65,000 per year.
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Duties: Setting departmental goals, managing high-profile initiatives.
7. Grade 6
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Very senior leadership position.
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Salary Range: £66,000 – £80,000 per year.
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Duties: Directing entire departments, advising ministers.
8. Senior Civil Service (SCS)
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Top-tier executive roles.
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Salary Range: £90,000 – £120,000+ per year.
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Duties: Policy direction, high-level decision-making, leading the MoD strategy.
Summary Table: UK Ministry of Defence Salary Structure 2025
| Grade | Salary Range (per year) |
|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant (AA) | £21,000 – £24,000 |
| Administrative Officer (AO) | £23,000 – £27,000 |
| Executive Officer (EO) | £28,000 – £33,000 |
| Higher Executive Officer (HEO) | £35,000 – £42,000 |
| Senior Executive Officer (SEO) | £42,000 – £49,000 |
| Grade 7 | £51,000 – £65,000 |
| Grade 6 | £66,000 – £80,000 |
| Senior Civil Service (SCS) | £90,000 – £120,000+ |
UK Ministry of Defence Military Staff Salaries
The UK Armed Forces personnel working under the MoD have their own pay scales based on rank. Below are examples of 2025 salaries for military staff:
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Private/Soldier: £22,000 – £27,000/year
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Corporal: £28,000 – £34,000/year
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Sergeant: £36,000 – £43,000/year
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Lieutenant: £34,000 – £41,000/year
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Captain: £41,000 – £52,000/year
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Major: £53,000 – £65,000/year
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Lieutenant Colonel: £66,000 – £79,000/year
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Colonel and above: £80,000 – £120,000+
Benefits of Working at the UK Ministry of Defence
MoD employees enjoy a wide range of benefits in addition to their salaries. These include:
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Generous pension schemes with employer contributions.
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Paid holidays and public holidays.
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Flexible working arrangements and part-time opportunities.
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Job security and structured career progression.
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Maternity, paternity, and sick leave entitlements.
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Training and development opportunities.
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Travel allowances and relocation support in some roles.
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Access to Civil Service benefits like discounts and health schemes.
Factors That Affect UK Ministry of Defence Salaries
Several factors influence how much an MoD staff member earns:
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Grade and role: Higher grades and senior roles attract higher salaries.
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Location: London-based jobs include a London weighting allowance to reflect the higher cost of living.
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Experience: Longer service and proven skills can lead to promotions and pay rises.
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Specialism: Technical or highly skilled roles may come with higher pay bands.
How to Apply for Jobs at the UK Ministry of Defence
If you’re interested in working at the MoD, here’s how to get started:
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Visit the official Civil Service Jobs website to search for openings.
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Read the job descriptions carefully to understand the grade, responsibilities, and salary.
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Prepare your CV and write a strong personal statement that meets the criteria.
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Submit your application before the deadline.
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Be prepared for interviews and assessments based on the role.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Ministry of Defence Salaries
What is the starting salary for MoD staff in 2025?
The starting salary at the MoD in 2025 for civilian staff is about £21,000 per year at the Administrative Assistant level.
How much do senior staff at the MoD earn?
Senior Civil Service members at the MoD can earn £90,000 – £120,000 or more per year, depending on their role.
Do MoD staff receive London weighting?
Yes. Staff based in London usually receive an additional allowance to reflect the higher cost of living in the capital.
Are MoD salaries competitive compared to the private sector?
While private sector salaries may be higher for some roles, the MoD offers excellent job security, pensions, and benefits that make it attractive.
Can military personnel work at the MoD?
Yes. Many MoD roles are held by serving members of the UK Armed Forces, and they are paid according to military rank pay scales.
What are the benefits of working at the MoD?
Benefits include a good pension, flexible hours, generous leave entitlements, and opportunities for career progression and training.
Final Thoughts: UK Ministry of Defence Salary Structure 2025
The UK Ministry of Defence salary structure in 2025 reflects its commitment to paying fair, competitive wages to both civilian and military staff.
Whether you start as an Administrative Assistant or aim for Senior Civil Service, the MoD provides clear progression paths and excellent benefits.
Understanding the grades, pay scales, and benefits helps you make informed career decisions and shows you what to expect at each level.
If you are planning a career at the MoD, focus on building relevant skills and qualifications to move up the grades and enjoy higher salaries and responsibilities.