As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States is $71,424 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a 2nd Lieutenant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 2nd Lieutenant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 2nd Lieutenant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level 2nd Lieutenant | $69,007 |
| Intermediate Level 2nd Lieutenant | $69,532 |
| Senior Level 2nd Lieutenant | $74,280 |
| Specialist Level 2nd Lieutenant | $82,506 |
| Expert Level 2nd Lieutenant | $83,054 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract 2nd Lieutenants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 5.36% |
| Career Development | 1.79% |
| Business Administration | 1.19% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Visio
|
$80,709 |
13%
|
|
Data Integrity
|
$77,138 |
8%
|
|
Python
|
$76,423 |
7%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$75,709 |
6%
|
|
Java
|
$75,709 |
6%
|
|
Object Oriented Programming
|
$75,709 |
6%
|
For 2nd Lieutenant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 69% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, 2nd Lieutenant positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 2nd Lieutenant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $92,851 | $45.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $89,280 | $43.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $85,709 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $82,137 | $39.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $79,995 | $38.0 | 12% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 2nd Lieutenants enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a 2nd Lieutenant with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $72,281 and $77,748).
2nd Lieutenant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 23.5% |
| High School | 23.5% |
| Associates | 17.6% |
| Bachelors | 41.2% |
| Masters | 17.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a 2nd Lieutenant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a 2nd Lieutenant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $58,808 in 2023 to around $58,678 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of 2nd Lieutenant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $58,808 |
| 2024 | $59,057 |
| 2025 | $58,678 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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