A lieutenant general, also known as a three-star general, is among the top-ranking officers in the US military. They hold an O-9 pay grade, which is equivalent to a vice admiral in the Navy and a lieutenant general in the Air Force.
The base pay for a lieutenant general with over 20 years of service is $16,441.80 per month or $197,301.60 per year, excluding additional compensation.
Three-star generals receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) that varies based on their rank, location, and family status. On average, BAH for a lieutenant general is around $4,000 per month. They are also entitled to a Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) of $386.50 per month to cover food costs.
Generals may receive extra compensation like hazardous duty pay, incentive pay, and special duty assignment pay depending on their specific assignment and circumstances. For instance, serving as the commander of a combatant command may qualify them for an additional payment of $4,000 per month.
Upon retirement, generals are entitled to a pension based on their years of service and final pay. The pension amount is determined by calculating the general’s years of service and highest 36 months of base pay. A lieutenant general with over 30 years of service can expect to receive around $177,000 per year.
In summary, a lieutenant general’s pay varies based on several factors like their years of service, location, family status, and specific assignments. Although their base pay is $197,301.60 per year, they may receive additional compensation and allowances that can increase their overall pay.
Finally, upon retirement, they are entitled to a pension based on their years of service and final pay.