The Marine Corps aviaton bonus for qualified pilots will nearly double next year to a maximum amount of $35,000 annually.
According to MARADMINS 382/18, pilots with the following Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes are eligible for the aviation bonus:
- 7509 (AV-8 Pilot)
- 7518 (F-35 Pilot)
- 7523 (F/A-18 Pilot)
- 7525 (F/A-18 Weapons Systems Officer)
- 7532 (MV-22 Pilot)
- 7556 (KC-130 Co-Pilot)
- 7557 (KC-130 Pilot)
- 7563 (UH-1 Pilot)
- 7565 (AH-1 Pilot)
- 7566 (CH-53 Pilot)
Pilots with an MOS of 7509, 7518, 7523, 7532, 7556, or 7557 with less than 11 years service are eligible for $35,000 per year on a 6 year contract or $30,000 annually on a 4 year contract. Those with 11 - 13 years service are also eligible for $30,000 annually with a 4 year contract or a 2 year contract if they have between 13 - 14 years service.
Pilots with an MOS of 7525, 7563, 7565, or 7566 with less than 13 years service can get $20,000 annually for a 4 year contract or also for a 2 year contract if they have between 13 - 14 years service.
Those individuals eligible for, and electing, a 72-month contract can choose to receive the payments in lump sum form instead of annually on their contract date. The lump sum amount is $178,500.
