Comparison of Civilian and Navy Pay for Dentists
Abstract
Dental special pays, which typically make up 15 to 20 percent of a Navy dentist's total military pay, have been substantially increased since FY 1980. As a result, the increase in the total pay of Navy dentists have lagged behind the cost of living. At the same time, the net income of civilian dentists has increased at a faster rate than the cost of living. These two have led to a widening of the civilian-military pay gap. This research memorandum examines these issues. Dental special pays are available to Navy dentists in addition to their regular military compensation. These special pays serve two purposes: to help attract and retain dentists, and to compensate dental officers for the specialized skills they bring to the Navy. Special pays typically make up 15 to 20 percent of a Navy dentist's total military pay and help bridge the gap between civilian and military income. The annual increases in basic pay, BAS, and BAQ have kept pace with the cost of living, but dental special pays are not subject to these annual increases and have not been substantially increased since FY 1980. In constant dollars, the total pay of Navy dentist has declined steadily and the buying power of a typical Navy dentist's total pay is now less than it was in 1982.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA246479
Entities
People
- David G. Taylor
Organizations
- Center for Naval Analyses