Mexican Army Salaries: How much does a Lieutenant Colonel and other ranks earn in 2026?

If you’re interested in knowing how much a Lieutenant Colonel earns in the Mexican Army, you’ll be surprised to discover that this institution offers highly competitive compensation compared to other professions. In fact, some military ranks reach annual incomes exceeding one million pesos, making a military career an attractive financial option in Mexico.

Rank Structure and Monthly Salaries in the Military Career

To join the Mexican Army, specialized studies through the Military Education System are required. Institutions like the Heroic Military College offer bachelor’s degrees in military administration and public security, while other schools provide training in medicine, engineering, aviation, and nursing.

Mexican military personnel enjoy monthly salaries that often surpass the earnings of many civilian professionals. The income for troop members according to the 2026 Pay Table is:

• Soldier: $18,840 pesos
• Corporal: $19,548 pesos
• Sergeants: $20,000 to $21,000 pesos
• Second Lieutenant: $24,500 pesos
• Lieutenant: $25,977 pesos

Officer Scale: from Lieutenant Colonel to General

The rank progression in the Mexican Army shows significant increases in compensation as one advances in hierarchy. A Lieutenant Colonel earns an annual salary of $62,354.53 pesos, placing it in an intermediate position among senior officers. However, this figure is only part of the total economic benefits of a Lieutenant Colonel career.

Continuing with the officer scale and their documented annual incomes in the 2026 Pay Table:

• Major: $49,769.61 pesos
• First Captain: $42,979.08 pesos
• Second Captain: $38,993.12 pesos
• Lieutenant Colonel: $62,354.53 pesos
• Colonel: $91,027.71 pesos
• Brigadier / Group General: $107,774.04 pesos
• Brigadier General / Wing General: $122,372.19 pesos
• Division General: $133,503.67 pesos

It is noteworthy that from the rank of Colonel upward, the annual compensation reaches one million pesos, representing a significant jump compared to lower ranks such as Lieutenant Colonel.

Additional Benefits and Perks for Military Personnel

Beyond the monthly salary, members of the Mexican Army have access to benefits that significantly exceed mandatory legal entitlements. These additional compensations include:

• Christmas bonus equivalent to 40 days’ salary
• 20-day vacation bonus
• Special allowance of over $2,000 pesos
• Technical allowance of an additional 40%
• Monthly supplies between $1,515 and $1,640 pesos
• Transportation subsidy of $985 pesos

The combination of base salary, bonuses, and benefits makes the position of Lieutenant Colonel, as well as other military ranks, financially solid options for those looking to build a career within the Mexican Armed Forces. For those considering this professional path, exploring the entry requirements for military institutions is the first step toward a structured and well-paid career.