Have you ever wondered how much a soldier in Mexico actually earns? It turns out that some ranks in the Mexican Army comfortably exceed one million pesos annually. If you're considering this career, here’s what you need to know about actual salaries.

To join the Mexican Army as a soldier or professional military, you must pursue a career within the Military Educational System. There are several options: the Heroic Military College offers bachelor's degrees in military administration and public security, and there are also specialized schools in medicine, engineering, aviation, and nursing.

Regarding what a soldier earns from the start, monthly salaries are quite competitive compared to other professionals in Mexico. A soldier begins with 18,840 pesos per month, a corporal earns 19,548 pesos, sergeants range between 20,000 and 21,000 pesos, and a second lieutenant reaches 24,500 pesos. But the salary increases significantly as you rise in rank.

The higher ranks are where you really see the difference. A Major General earns 133,503.67 pesos per month, a Brigadier General 122,372.19 pesos, and a Brigadier General 107,774.04 pesos. Among officers, a Colonel receives 91,027.71 pesos monthly, and if you want to know exactly how much a lieutenant colonel earns, it’s 62,354.53 pesos per month. A Major earns 49,769.61 pesos, a First Captain 42,979.08 pesos, and a Second Captain 38,993.12 pesos.

What’s interesting is that from the rank of Colonel upward, annual salaries surpass one million pesos. But in addition to the monthly salary, military personnel receive benefits that go well beyond what the law mandates: a 40-day Christmas bonus, a 20-day vacation bonus, a compensation of over 2,000 pesos, a technical allowance of 40%, a food allowance between 1,515 and 1,640 pesos per month, and transportation allowance of 985 pesos.

So if you thought the Mexican Army only offered vocation, you’ll be surprised to learn that there is also real financial stability. Salaries are competitive from the start, and the growth potential is quite solid if you decide to pursue a military career.