Basic Pay

• Regardless of how long the PFC has served in the Marine Corps, his basic pay remains the same. As of the 2010 pay schedule, the E-2 pay rate is $1,622.10 per month. This is the amount of pay, before taxes, that a PFC is guaranteed to get as long as he isn't subject to any pay cuts.
  
  

Considerations

• In addition to basic pay, a PFC can receive special allowances, such as the basic allowance for subsistence, BAS, which can add up to $323.87 a month for a single PFC or up to $1,100 for a PFC with a family. Basic allowance for housing, BAH, is another special allowance that can add up to $619.50 per month to a PFC's pay. Hazardous duty pay, sea duty pay and job specific pay like diving pay, can also add a significant amount to each check. Some additional pay, such as clothing allowances, are paid annually.
  
  

Time Frame

• A Marine Corps PFC is paid via direct deposit through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service on the 1st and 15th of each month. These dates can change slightly if they fall on a holiday or weekend. In that case, the PFC is paid on the business day prior to the normal pay date as long as it falls within three days of the normal pay date.
  
  

Benefits

• The Marine Corps offers PFCs various benefits in addition to monetary pay. Many of these benefits save the PFC money. Tricare health, dental and prescription insurance. The Tuition Assistance program, Montgomery G.I. Bill and Marine Corps College Fund can help a PFC to pay for college. Discounted life insurance, 30 days of paid vacation annually and discounted travel opportunities are also offered to Marines.
  
  

Warning

• It is possible for a PFC to make less money than she should if she gets into trouble that warrants a cut in pay. After a hearing or court proceeding, a Marine Corps official can opt to take a portion of the PFC's pay for a pre-determined amount of time. In severe cases, the PFC's entire check may be taken by the Marine Corps.