As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States is $119,356 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a Lieutenant Colonel's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lieutenant Colonel'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lieutenant Colonel'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 |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Lieutenant Colonel | $155,281 |
| Software ... Level Lieutenant Colonel | $178,398 |
| Lieutenan... Level Lieutenant Colonel | $121,809 |
| Software ... Level Lieutenant Colonel | $139,017 |
| Software ... Level Lieutenant Colonel | $168,001 |
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 Lieutenant Colonels. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.74% |
| ISO | 2.15% |
| Good Manufacturing Practice | 1.26% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Team Management
|
$126,517 |
6%
|
|
Interviewing
|
$126,517 |
6%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$124,130 |
4%
|
|
SOP
|
$124,130 |
4%
|
|
Career Development
|
$124,130 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$122,937 |
3%
|
For Lieutenant Colonel roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 33% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Lieutenant Colonel positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lieutenant Colonel as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $140,840 | $68.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $137,259 | $66.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $133,679 | $64.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $131,292 | $63.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $128,904 | $62.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Lieutenant Colonel'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 Lieutenant Colonel can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $115,567 in 2023 to around $113,647 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lieutenant Colonel salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $115,567 |
| 2024 | $114,740 |
| 2025 | $113,647 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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