MILITARY PERSONNEL: Comparisons Between Military and Civilian Compensation Can be Useful, but Data Limitations Prevent Exact Comparisons

Abstract

In comparing military and civilian compensation, CNA's study as well as a 2007 CBO study,15 found that military pay generally compares favorably with civilian pay. CNA found that in 2006, regular military compensation for enlisted personnel averaged $4,700 more annually than comparable civilian earnings. Similarly, CNA found that military officers received an average of about $11,500 more annually than comparable civilians. Further, CNA found that the inclusion of three military benefits-health care, retirement, and the additional tax advantage for military members- increased the differentials by an average of $8,660 annually for enlisted servicemembers and $13,370 annually for officers. A 2007 CBO study similarly found that military compensation compares favorably with civilian compensation. For example, CBO's report suggested that DOD's goal to make regular military compensation comparable with the 70th percentile of civilian compensation has been achieved. We note that the major difference between the two studies lies in their definitions of compensation. CNA asserted, and we agree, that the inclusion of benefits allows for comparisons of actual levels of compensation and provides some useful comparison points for determining whether servicemembers are compensated at a level that is comparable to that of their civilian peers, although the caveats that we discuss below should be considered. CBO also noted, and we agree, that including benefits can add another level of complexity to such analytical studies.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 28, 2010
Accession Number
ADA520662

Entities

People

  • ;charles W. Perdue
  • Brenda S. Farrell
  • Cheryl A. Weissman
  • Jennifer L. Weber
  • K. N. Harms
  • Margaret Braley
  • Marion A. Gatling
  • Natalya Barden
  • Patrick M. Dudley
  • Susan C. Langley
  • Timothy J. Carr
  • Wesle Y A. Johnson

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

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  • Biomedical

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  • Active Duty
  • Business Administration
  • Civilian Personnel
  • Compensation
  • Education
  • Electronic Mail
  • Employment
  • Enlisted Personnel
  • Governments
  • Health Care
  • Management Personnel
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Personnel
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Recruiting
  • United States Government

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  • Gender and Food Studies
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