The salary structure of military personnel in the Mexican Army 2026

The Mexican Army offers salaries to military personnel that significantly exceed the average income of many professions in Mexico. From the lowest ranks to general officers, compensation varies considerably, with earnings reaching over one million pesos annually in the highest-responsibility positions.

Monthly Income by Military Rank

The military salary structure begins with professional soldiers, who must complete studies at Military Education System institutions before joining the ranks. Salaries for basic-level soldiers are around $18,840 pesos per month for a private, increasing as they advance in rank.

The initial monthly earnings range includes:

• Private: $18,840 pesos
• Corporal: $19,548 pesos
• Sergeants: between $20,000 and $21,000 pesos
• Second Lieutenant: $24,500 pesos
• First Lieutenant: $25,977 pesos

These figures show that even in the lower ranks, incomes surpass those of many university-educated professionals.

Hierarchy of Earnings: from Private to General

The military rank system establishes a clear progression where salaries increase substantially with each promotion. According to the 2026 Salary Table, higher positions in the Mexican Army generate incomes well beyond one million pesos annually.

At the top of the hierarchy are:

• Major General: $133,503.67 pesos per month
• Brigadier General or Wing Commander: $122,372.19 pesos per month
• Brigadier General or Group Commander: $107,774.04 pesos per month
• Colonel: $91,027.71 pesos per month
• Lieutenant Colonel: $62,354.53 pesos per month
• Major: $49,769.61 pesos per month
• First Captain: $42,979.08 pesos per month
• Second Captain: $38,993.12 pesos per month

Positions from Colonel upward in the Mexican Army generate annual earnings that far exceed one million pesos, making them some of the best-paid in the Mexican public administration.

Benefits and Supplements to Base Salary

Military salaries are supplemented with benefits beyond those mandated by law. These additional earnings form a comprehensive package that significantly increases total compensation:

• Christmas bonus: 40 days’ salary
• Vacation premium: 20 days’ salary
• Special allowance: over $2,000 pesos
• Technical allowance: a 40% increase over base salary
• Food allowance: between $1,515 and $1,640 pesos per month
• Transportation allowance: $985 pesos per month

These benefits cause the total earnings of military personnel to considerably surpass their base salary, providing comprehensive financial stability.

Military Careers: Pathways to Higher Ranks

To access salaries associated with higher ranks, specialized education is required. The Heroic Military College offers degrees in military administration and public security, while other institutions within the Military Education System provide training in medicine, engineering, aviation, and nursing.

This specialized educational system prepares future officers for leadership roles, where earnings reach significantly higher levels. Advancement in rank depends on both academic training and seniority and performance within the institution, allowing military personnel to attain incomes that in higher ranks far exceed one million pesos annually.