The retirement pay for a 4-star general (O-10) in the U.S. military depends on several factors, including their years of service, the specific retirement plan they fall under, and any adjustments for cost of living. Here’s a general idea of what a 4-star general might earn in retirement:
Factors Affecting Retirement Pay
- Years of Service:
- The longer the general has served, the higher the retirement pay. Retirement pay is calculated as a percentage of their base pay, based on years of service.
- Retirement Plan:
- Final Pay Plan: For those who entered service before September 8, 1980, the retirement pay is based on their final base pay at retirement.
- High-36 Plan: For those who entered service after this date, the retirement pay is based on the average of the highest 36 months of base pay.
- Pay Calculation:
- Multiplier: The retirement pay multiplier is typically 2.5% for each year of service. For a general with 40 years of service, the multiplier would be 100% of their base pay.
- Base Pay: As of 2024, the base pay for a 4-star general with over 40 years of service is approximately $16,974.90 per month.
Estimated Retirement Pay
- Full Retirement Pay: If a 4-star general retires with 40 years of service, their retirement pay could be close to their final or high-36 average base pay, which would be around $16,974.90 per month, or about $203,698.80 per year.
- COLA Adjustments: Retirement pay is typically adjusted annually for inflation through Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), which can increase the overall amount over time.
Summary
A 4-star general with 40 years of service could receive a retirement pay of approximately $16,974.90 per month, or around $203,698.80 per year. This amount can vary based on their specific circumstances, such as years of service and the retirement plan they are under. The actual amount may also increase over time with cost-of-living adjustments.