Military vs. Civilian Experienced RN Pay?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Mar 23, 2011

I haven't been paid yet (I go in-process this morning!), but I am expecting a drop in overall pay. However, I'm coming in as a O-1/2LT -- you will come in at a higher rank with your years of experience, I'm sure. For the Army, 2 years of civilian time = 1 year of Army time. There is pay information here: http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/militarypaytables.html. I'm not sure if you'd come in as a O-2 or O-3.

In any case, I am expecting a slight drop in pay. HOWEVER! The benefits I get in return pretty much equalize things, I think. I don't have to pay for healthcare, and I get a housing allowance. I also apparently get a little extra for food each month, too. I think in a couple of years, I'll be making more than I was. I'll have to let you know then.

midinphx, BSN · Mar 23, 2011

I took a big cut in pay. 15 years of ER and ICU nursing with that CCRN and a master's. I was prepared and set for that cut. I suggest you check out military.com. they have the actually pay tables. Keep in mind to do the math regarding taxes. You are only taxed on base pay, not the housing or the $200 for allowance. You will have no medical costs - I didn't have any before either, so it really didn't calculate in for me.

I did get a sign on bonus. But taking that $30,000 precluded me from getting $20,000 a year for my CCRN. grrrr. But that was the deal I made and was content with.

Right now, though, the math is working well for me. I'm deployed. I am exempt from taxes during my deployment. I'm rather excited to do my taxes next year! and my paycheck looks rather nice! I am also storing my household goods while I'm here. Saving me rent, utilities, cable, and Gas money. They also feed us free while we are here (we paid for it during training).

Also, figure if you stay in for retirement, there is no better retirement plan that I've seen.

So I took a huge paycut on the money I make yearly for now. But I think it all evens out eventually. Plus, serving and caring for our servicemembers is really priceless to me. I love being "hero support". :)

bigdaddyCCRN · Mar 23, 2011

Thanks for the reply!

I figured there would be a decrease in pay, just not sure how much to expect. I'm definitely not interested in the military for monetary gain, but honestly the retirement is a big factor in my decision to pursue this. It seems like with money for housing and food, along with base pay I would not be taking a huge cut, but again something I will have to research. My main concern at this point is my house and whether or not I should start getting it ready to put on the market. I've sold a house before and it is not a fun experience. I spoke with a recruiter this morning and he mentioned the $30K bonus, but I had no idea there was potential money for having my CCRN, this is good news! The recruiter wants me to come in either tomorrow or one day next week to get some general info and my weight, etc and fill out some paperwork. He didnt take my number and the only person who took my name was the person who answered the phone at the recruiting office (I did introduce myself, however so perhaps he wrote it down). Thats concerning to me a bit cause that seems a little like he was uninterested, but we'll see what I'm dealing with when I go meet him. He did say with my experience and certifications I should be an ideal candidate, but we'll see. He also told me the process would be a lengthy one and if I got my packet ready to submit by July 1st the soonest I would be able to go to ODS would be in January. Right now I'm focusing on getting back in shape, working out and running, etc and we'll see how it plays out :) I'll keep you all posted!

Thanks again for all the advice! Any other insight would be appreciated!