Armed Forces
Explore pay and career calculators for Armed Forces. Pick your role below to see pay progression, promotion timing, part-time impact, allowances, career breaks and take-home pay.
Roles
Choose a role to see pay progression, promotion timing, part-time impact, allowances, career breaks and take-home pay for that job.
About the Armed Forces
What are the Armed Forces?
The UK Armed Forces (Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force) defend the country and support operations at home and abroad. Pay and conditions are set by the Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body and vary by service, rank and role.
Is it a rewarding career?
Many people find it rewarding. You get training, structure and a strong sense of purpose. The work can be physically and mentally demanding, and life can be disruptive. Pay, allowances and pension are set in line with that. It’s a big commitment, so it helps to go in with your eyes open.
What kind of work do you do?
It depends on your service and trade. You might be in a combat, engineering, medical, logistics or support role. Progression is by rank and trade. Check official service and gov.uk sources for current pay and conditions.