TS Armed Forces officer salaries and compensation amounts are determined according to rank, length of service and education level. The Turkish Armed Forces employ personnel across many ranks and roles, and each rank has a different pay scale. Salaries for personnel also vary depending on the province of assignment and specific duties.
Salaries differ between eastern and western provinces.
How Much Were Officer Salaries in 2019?
Officer salaries in 2019 varied by rank. Officers serving in eastern provinces received higher base pay and additional compensation. Typical amounts in 2019 included:
- Entry-level officers started at around 4,000 TL.
- Salaries depend on duty description and rank.
- Senior lieutenants (Üst Teğmen) received approximately 4,300 TL.
- Captains (Yüzbaşı) around 4,500 TL.
- Majors (Binbaşı) around 4,500 TL.
- Lieutenant colonels (Yarbay) about 5,600 TL.
- Colonels (Albay) about 6,400 TL.
How Much Were TAF Salaries in 2019?
Turkish Armed Forces salaries are set according to rank and years of service. The force covers many roles and missions; the province of service, operations, and status influence salary levels. Salaries are adjusted twice yearly to reflect inflation, typically in January and July, and personnel salaries are increased accordingly.
Colonel Salary in 2019
In 2019 a colonel’s basic salary was around 6,400 TL. Not all colonels receive the same pay: salary increases with rank seniority and length of service. Married colonels and those with children received additional allowances. Colonels serving in demanding eastern postings or difficult assignments received higher pay.
General Salaries
General officer pay is determined under the civil servants framework and varies by several factors. Entry-level generals in 2019 had base salaries around 5,000 TL, but actual pay depends on:
- The province of assignment (generals in eastern provinces typically receive higher pay),
- Specific rank and education,
- Family status,
- Foreign language skills,
- Special equipment or mission roles,
- Operational experience,
- Participation in cross-border operations,
- Status and total length of service.
Private/Soldier Allowances
Soldier allowances in 2019 ranged roughly between 110 TL and 220 TL for conscripts, depending on assignment. These monthly allowances, intended to cover basic needs during compulsory service, are adjusted with inflation each year. Typical payments:
- Conscripts serving in eastern regions received about 220 TL per month.
- Those on standard service received about 110 TL per month.
- Privates with specific roles, such as senior corporal-level duties, could receive around 130 TL.
Retired Colonel Salary in 2019
Retirement pay for a colonel depends on the salary they received before retirement and the year they retired. In general, retired colonels’ pensions ranged roughly between 4,000 TL and 7,000 TL, depending on total service and contributions. To retire under normal conditions, a colonel typically needed to complete the required days of service and reach the appropriate retirement age, often around 60.
Pension calculations consider total premiums paid and final salary levels.
In terms of compensation within the TAF, lump-sum or severance-type payments for colonels could average around 19,000 TL, but exact amounts vary with monthly salary and individual circumstances.
Chief of General Staff Salary
In 2019 the Chief of the General Staff received a salary in the range of about 12,000–13,000 TL. The Chief is the highest-ranking officer and is selected from full general or admiral ranks within the Army, Air Force or Naval Forces, with appointment made by the Council of Ministers.
Captain Salary in 2019
Captain pay depends on rank seniority. Senior captains in 2019 could earn between 6,000 and 7,000 TL, with annual adjustments tied to inflation. Marital status and dependent children affect take-home pay, and captains assigned to eastern posts or deployed on operations typically receive higher pay.
Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Salary in 2019
Starting NCO (astsubay) salaries in 2019 were around 4,500 TL. NCO pay varies by rank, assignment, family status and specific duties. NCOs assigned to Special Forces or other demanding units could earn 7,000 TL or more. Overseas deployments may entitle personnel to payment in foreign currency or additional allowances.
Lieutenant Salaries
Lieutenant pay is determined by position and personnel qualifications. Newly graduated lieutenants earned about 4,500 TL in 2019. Factors affecting lieutenant pay include:
- Province of assignment,
- Marital status,
- Whether they have children,
- Participation in operations,
- Position type and unit characteristics,
- Rank seniority.
A married lieutenant with children serving in the east could earn around 6,500 TL.
Private Soldier Pay in 2019
Basic private soldier allowances are provided to all Turkish male citizens fulfilling compulsory military service. These amounts vary by region and are intended for daily needs during service. Typical ranges in 2019:
- In western regions, conscript allowances were around 90–150 TL.
- In eastern regions, allowances were higher, approximately 400–500 TL.
- Allowances do not differ between paid (bedelli) or long-term service; eligible conscripts receive the designated monthly amounts.
- Payments are made in Turkish Lira.
- Officer cadets or students serving in training periods might receive a smaller stipend, for example around 250 TL.
Contracted Private Salaries
Contracted enlisted pay was revised in 2019. Contracted soldiers and noncommissioned personnel receive higher pay than conscripts, and amounts vary by region. In western provinces, contracted enlisted personnel could receive around 2,500 TL, with higher rates for married personnel or those with children. Those serving in eastern and Southeastern Anatolia typically received higher salaries due to the demands of the posting. Overall, TAF salaries and compensations are structured to reflect rank, assignment difficulty and service conditions.