How Much Do Military Wives Get Paid?

The question “How much do military wives get paid?” stems from a common misunderstanding. Military spouses do not receive a direct salary from the military for their role as a spouse. Instead, their financial well-being is intricately linked to the service member’s compensation, their own earnings from employment, and various support programs designed for military families. This article explores the different financial avenues that contribute to a military family’s stability, including allowances, spouse employment opportunities, educational benefits, and financial planning strategies.

Understanding Military Family Financial Support

Military families receive a comprehensive financial support system, primarily through the service member’s pay and allowances. Basic Pay serves as the foundation, representing the service member’s core salary determined by their rank and years of service. This pay is subject to federal and state income taxes.

Beyond basic pay, various allowances aim to offset specific living costs. The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) helps service members cover the cost of off-base housing when government quarters are unavailable. BAH rates are calculated based on the service member’s duty station zip code, pay grade, and whether they have dependents, varying significantly by location. This allowance is not taxable.

Another key allowance is the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), designed to help cover food costs for service members. BAS is a non-taxable allowance paid at a flat rate for the service member’s meals.

Healthcare is provided through TRICARE, the military’s healthcare program for service members and their families worldwide. This benefit offers significant cost savings compared to civilian health insurance plans, covering a wide range of medical services, prescriptions, and dental options. Additionally, other allowances like the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) may be provided in high-cost areas to help offset increased expenses for goods and services. Service members deployed away from their families for more than 30 days may also receive a Family Separation Allowance (FSA).

Income Generating Opportunities for Spouses

Military spouses actively seek and secure their own income, contributing to family finances through diverse employment avenues. Various government initiatives and non-profit organizations are dedicated to assisting military spouses in their job search. The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) connects spouses with a network of partner employers committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining military spouses.

Programs like Hiring Our Heroes offer professional training, networking opportunities, and fellowships to help spouses gain experience in the civilian workforce. Many spouses pursue portable careers, such as remote work, which allows them to maintain employment regardless of their duty station.

Common portable career fields include healthcare, education, information technology, marketing, and virtual assistant roles. Federal employment also offers opportunities, often through military spouse preference, which provides an advantage in the competitive federal hiring process. Entrepreneurship is another path many military spouses explore, starting their own businesses that can move with them.

Despite these resources, military spouses often encounter employment challenges, including career gaps due to frequent Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves and difficulties with professional license transfers across different states. Spouses adapt by focusing on remote work options, pursuing careers with high demand, and leveraging support networks. These strategies help mitigate the impact of military life on their professional development and earning potential.

Educational and Career Advancement Programs

Numerous programs and resources are available to military spouses to enhance their educational qualifications and career readiness. The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship Program provides up to $4,000 in tuition assistance for eligible military spouses.

MyCAA funds can be used for licenses, certifications, or Associate’s degrees in portable career fields. Eligibility typically includes spouses of active duty service members in specific pay grades, as well as National Guard and Reserve spouses on Title 10 orders. The Post-9/11 GI Bill also offers a significant educational benefit, as service members may transfer their unused benefits to their spouses and children. This transferability can cover tuition and fees for higher education or vocational training, reducing out-of-pocket costs for the spouse.

Beyond these federal programs, various scholarships and grants are specifically designed for military spouses. These are offered by military aid societies and numerous non-profit organizations. These scholarships can cover a wide range of educational pursuits, from vocational training to undergraduate and graduate degrees. Additionally, military installations and spouse-focused organizations offer professional development resources, including resume building, interview preparation, and skill-enhancement workshops, further supporting spouses in their career advancement.

Financial Planning in a Military Context

Effective financial planning is particularly important for military families due to the unique aspects of military life. Creating a comprehensive budget is a fundamental step, allowing families to track income and expenses. This budget should account for the variable nature of military income, which can include deployment pay, bonuses, and changes in allowances due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves.

Building an emergency fund is also a priority to provide a financial cushion for unexpected expenses or potential gaps in spouse employment during relocations. Frequent PCS moves significantly impact family finances, incurring moving expenses, temporary housing costs, and potential disruptions to a spouse’s career.

During deployments, specific financial considerations arise, such as potential increases in income from Family Separation Allowance. Families should also prioritize long-term financial goals, including retirement planning. Both the service member and spouse can contribute to retirement accounts like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Managing debt effectively is crucial, especially given the potential for income fluctuations and the need for financial flexibility throughout a military career.