Pay and benefits

Pay and benefits

If you’re just joining for the salary, then you’re in the wrong place. That doesn’t mean you won’t get the rewards you deserve. Worldwide travel, ongoing professional training, friends and skills you’ll have for life, and a career like no other, are just the start. You’ll be putting more in than anyone else, which is why you’ll get plenty out.

royal marines in fatigues approaching coast in semi rigid boats in snowy, wintry conditions

Financial

  • Royal Marines Commandos have a starting salary of over £20,000 after they complete training and can earn up to £51,000
  • Royal Marines Officers have a starting salary of £32,000
  • Slightly higher pay for certain specialist roles
  • Excellent non-contributory pension scheme (this means we pay into your pension for you, without you having to sacrifice your salary)
  • Operational allowance for extended tours (this is in addition to your salary)
  • Longer Separation Allowance (this is a day rate that is paid for every night you spend at sea)
  • Defence discount services, from car and hotel companies, to holidays and high street shops

 

Lifestyle

  • Seven weeks of paid holiday every year, on top of public holidays
  • Travelling the world
  • Free medical and dental care
  • Free access to gym and sports facilities, saving you an average of £600 a year on gym membership
  • Adventurous training for two weeks every year, for everyone
  • Numerous sports associations, including everything from rugby and football, to kayaking and kitesurfing

 

Home and family

  • Subsidised travel, accommodation and food
  • Up to 52 weeks maternity leave (26 weeks on full pay, then 13 weeks on Statutory Maternity Pay)
  • Two weeks paternity leave on full pay, and the option for shared paternity leave
  • Free accommodation at sea, and help with your at-home living arrangements (including your family), meaning you could save up to £7,200 a year
  • Forces Help to Buy scheme, which gives you a 0% loan to get you on, or further up, the housing ladder (the loan is up to 50% of your annual salary, to a maximum of £25,000)