Has a civilian employer ever offered you less annual or hourly compensation based on your rank in the service??

Sgt Christopher Wenzel — Thu, 26 May 2016 23:33:37 -0400

In my transitioning out of the Marine Corps, I had an employer offer me a lower annual salary, not due to a lacking skill set, but because I was a Sergeant when I separated. It was interesting to me that some employers would take this approach regardless that there are some junior service members NCOs that hold/held Senior Management billets. Similar experiences out there?

Response by SFC Josh Billingsley made May 26 at 2016 11:35 PM

SFC Josh Billingsley — Thu, 26 May 2016 23:35:09 -0400

My rank hasn't been a factor, as far as I know, in any of the compensation packages since I got out. They were looking at years of experience, education and the responsibilities of the role

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 12:26 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 May 2016 00:26:05 -0400

It depends on the Company.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made May 27 at 2016 2:44 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Fri, 27 May 2016 02:44:11 -0400

I took a pay cut when I went into civilian work, but rank had nothing to do with it.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 27 at 2016 7:56 AM

SFC Christopher Perry — Fri, 27 May 2016 07:56:52 -0400

This was my first real experience when it came to civilian interviews and the hiring process. I felt that the folks I interviewed with were, for all intensive purposes, clueless about the military. Therefore, I don't know that they would have known one rank from another. Although the person that hired me later admitted that my security clearance did weigh into the decision to hire me. Not because it anything what-so-ever to do with the position but because he felt that it meant I would get quickly grabbed up by someone else. Admittedly that was a bit strange to hear.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 7:58 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 May 2016 07:58:57 -0400

From what I've seen-the opposite is true. NCOs have hands on expertise, and in the technical ratings, usually come with some pretty high-value certifications and training. Officers, unless very senior upon separation (sometimes, it really is "who" you know), are at the end of the day, twenty-or thirty somethings with a bachelor's degree...probably in history or poli-sci...who short of being familiar with some aspects of personnel management, lack "hard" skills sets that are in demand in leading industries such as medicine, energy and commercial contracting.

My first boss in the private sector was a former E-5.

Response by PO1 Chris Morrow made May 27 at 2016 8:02 AM

PO1 Chris Morrow — Fri, 27 May 2016 08:02:19 -0400

My rank was not a factor, but my current pay at the time of hiring was. They could only increase my pay by so much when I hired on, and so I was hired at a lower level than the job was for. I held that lower level for a year, and was bumped up to the commiserate level with the applicable pay. As far as rank playing a part, not necessarily, at least as far as I know, but my experience played a huge part.

I have heard of many companies not wanting to hire SNCOs and CPOs for entry level or mid level jobs, due to their management experience and training. Many companies feel a SNCO or CPO is overqualified for mid level or entry level work, and would not be happy there.

Response by GySgt Carl Rumbolo made May 27 at 2016 8:30 AM

GySgt Carl Rumbolo — Fri, 27 May 2016 08:30:45 -0400

No it was never a factor - my qualifications to the do job was the factor. What makes you believe that your prior military rank was a factor in compensation? What is the particular field you worked in during the service and how does it correspond to your current civilian position - some context would be helpful.

Response by PO1 Bobby Powell made May 27 at 2016 10:04 AM

PO1 Bobby Powell — Fri, 27 May 2016 10:04:45 -0400

My first job after retirement was initially tainted by the job offer. They knew I was retiring and used that as part of their package for hiring me. They stated that with my retirement I would be making... I said stop! My retirement has nothing to do with my future job here. If you will not pay me what others make because I have supplemental military retirement, then I will look elsewhere for employment. I got the full salary that none retirees get in the end. I thought it was extremely odd and disrespectful that they would even think such a thing was cool.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 27 at 2016 10:41 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Fri, 27 May 2016 10:41:09 -0400

Sort of.

I asked a similar question on RP a few weeks back, and while I won't rehash the whole thing here, the long and the short of it was I'm more than qualified for a certain position at a ("military friendly") company that has a few of my former college classmates in much higher positions than I was looking at, but when I casually inquired about the position, the rep I was chatting with informed me, they would prefer someone who had been a Commissioned Officer.

Again, people I graduation with held higher positions within this company and never served a day in the military, but I, despite my education and relevant civilian work experience, wasn't good enough for this college graduate entry level position because of my NCO status-and I'm damn proud to be an NCO FYI! I would actually been a better candidate for the job if I didn't mention being in the military and simply came in "off the street"!

It is what it is I guess.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made May 27 at 2016 11:25 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Fri, 27 May 2016 11:25:44 -0400

I had a potential employer offer me a low salary because I was retired and their offer combined with my retirement pay would equal what I made while in service. I pointed out politely that military retirement pay was compensation for years of honorable service and the salary package should be based on the position. Needless to say I ended up working else where.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 27 at 2016 11:44 AM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Fri, 27 May 2016 11:44:45 -0400

Your rank should be irrelevant. You are working as a civilian and should be paid accordingly as a civilian.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made May 27 at 2016 3:24 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Fri, 27 May 2016 15:24:57 -0400

Sgt Christopher Wenzel It was never a factor for me when I got off active and received my first position with Sears Credit Central in fact it helped me get promoted to Floor Supervisor very quickly because of the my NCO Leadership skills as a Staff Sergeant. As I moved through college and the Army National Guard and OCS I kept my military service out of the equation when interviewing except to advise employers that I would be out of the loop for 2 to 3 weeks each summer for Annual Training. As I moved up to senior level positions in the civilian world along with the military I took lessons learned and management techniques back and forth from the military to my civilian occupation and visa versa. I was able to apply a lot learned both ways! Being an employer myslef of many veterans I never used rank as a hiring or salary justification for any position. When I advisertised a position I had a set salary in mind and that is what I stuck with no matter who the best candidate was for the position. I question an employer that would reduce the salary based on a veteran's rank period - being a veteran is like anyone else having job experience. If that employer was looking for more experience then he should have kept on looking, but to hire an individual that all the necessary skills desired for the position and reducing comepnsation is just wrong in my book. Again, this is my personal feeling and the way I would operate. I've know of other companies and individuals that operate this way - I would be hard pressed to accept a position, if I knew they were conducting their employment hiring this way! Again, just an opinion!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 3:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 May 2016 15:35:17 -0400

Know how to market yourself. Don't say "I held the rank of Sergeant." Say "I was responsible for X people, their medical and physical readiness, their job performance and training and all ancillary tasks associated with it."
If you have education, HIGHLIGHT THAT. Don't let your rank be a decision making value, make your accomplishments, measurable accomplishments, your value. I am "only" a SGT, but I have two graduate degrees and over a decade of senior management experience. When I look for new positions, my accomplishments warrant a higher salary and that is what I sell. Good luck! Feel free to PM me if you'd like to discuss this further.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 2:46 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 May 2016 02:46:05 -0400

As a self employed owner operator of a one man construction contracting business, I let it be known that I would never discuss salaries or wages with anyone.