As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States is $119,402 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lieutenant Colonel | $117,833 |
| Intermediate Level Lieutenant Colonel | $118,315 |
| Senior Level Lieutenant Colonel | $120,721 |
| Specialist Level Lieutenant Colonel | $123,415 |
| Expert Level Lieutenant Colonel | $124,154 |
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:
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 November 01, 2025Salaries 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 |
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|
| 2023 | $115,567 |
| 2024 | $114,740 |
| 2025 | $113,647 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $119,402 | 63.4% |
| Bonus | $17,576 | 9.3% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $10,439 | 5.5% |
| 401K/403B | $5,731 | 3.0% |
| Disability | $2,729 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,436 | 4.5% |
| Pension | $7,369 | 3.9% |
| Time Off | $16,795 | 8.9% |
| Total Compensation | $188,478 | 100% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Lieutenant Colonel and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lieutenant Colonel job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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