Real Salaries of Lieutenants in the Mexican Army: How Much Does a Lieutenant Earn in 2026

Have you ever wondered how much a lieutenant in the Mexican Army earns? This is one of the most sought-after positions within the military career, as it represents a turning point between the enlisted personnel and senior officers. According to the 2026 Salary Table, lieutenants receive a monthly income of $25,977.03 pesos, which helps us better understand the salary structure of the Mexican armed forces and the professional development opportunities within this institution.

The Lieutenant Path: from Soldier to Officer

Becoming a lieutenant is not an automatic process. In Mexico, to join the Mexican Army as a professional officer, it is necessary to study at specialized institutions within the Military Education System. The Heroic Military College offers bachelor’s degrees in military administration and public security, while there are specialized schools in medicine, engineering, aviation, and nursing.

The progression from soldier to lieutenant involves several years of academic and military practical training. Those who join as soldiers start with a salary of $18,840 pesos per month, while corporals earn $19,548 pesos. Sergeants, the rank just below officers, earn between $20,000 and $21,000 pesos. Then come the second lieutenants with $24,500 pesos, immediately preceding the rank of lieutenant.

Salary Structure: How Much Does a Lieutenant Earn Compared to Other Ranks

To better understand the value of the lieutenant position within the Mexican Army, it is helpful to compare it with other military ranks. The lieutenant, with $25,977.03 pesos per month, holds a privileged position compared to regular troops but is just below senior officers.

Second captains earn $38,993.12 pesos monthly, while first captains receive $42,979.08 pesos. Majors have incomes of $49,769.61 pesos, and lieutenant colonels reach $62,354.53 pesos per month. Beyond these ranks, salaries increase significantly: colonels earn $91,027.71 pesos, brigadier generals around $107,774.04 pesos, division generals receive $122,372.19 pesos, and the highest rank, division general, earns $133,503.67 pesos monthly.

The progression from lieutenant to division general represents an increase of over 400%, demonstrating that the Mexican Army rewards seniority and hierarchical advancement with substantial salary increases.

Annual Salary: What Does It Mean to Earn as a Lieutenant

To better gauge how much a lieutenant earns annually, the $25,977.03 pesos per month translate to approximately $311,724.36 pesos gross per year, excluding additional benefits. While this figure is far from the one million pesos that colonels and higher-ranking officers surpass, it represents a solid income compared to many civilian professions in Mexico.

It is important to note that from the rank of colonel upward ($91,027.71 pesos per month), annual earnings effectively exceed one million pesos, positioning these senior officers among the highest salary brackets in the Mexican public administration.

Military Benefits: Perks Beyond Base Salary

A lieutenant’s salary is not the only income members of the Mexican Army receive. The institution offers a benefits package that exceeds legal requirements, significantly supplementing the base pay:

• 40 days of Christmas bonus
• 20 days of vacation premium
• Additional compensation of over 2,000 pesos
• Technical allowance reaching 40% of the base salary
• Food allowance between $1,515 and $1,640 pesos per month
• Transportation subsidy of $985 pesos

These benefits mean that the total income received by a lieutenant, considering all perks, is considerably higher than the $25,977.03 pesos base salary. This makes a military career an attractive option financially, especially when considering job stability and social security benefits.

Becoming a Lieutenant: Requirements and Military Career

For those interested in how much a lieutenant earns and in pursuing this position, it is necessary to meet the requirements set by the Mexican Army. The process begins with enrollment in one of the institutions of the Military Education System, where a multi-year professional career is undertaken.

Applicants can choose bachelor’s degrees in military administration, public security, medicine, engineering, aviation, nursing, or other specialties offered by the institution. Once academic training is completed and evaluations are passed, graduates join as officers with the rank of lieutenant.

The career progression from lieutenant to higher positions depends on performance, seniority, aptitude evaluations, and available vacancies. Many lieutenants advance to captain, major, colonel, and in exceptional cases, reach general ranks. This merit-based system ensures that effort and dedication are rewarded with progressive salary increases.

Now that you know in detail how much a lieutenant in the Mexican Army earns and how this position fits into the institution’s hierarchical and salary structure, you have enough information to evaluate whether a military career is the professional path you seek. The financial benefits, perks, job stability, and development opportunities make it a viable option for many Mexicans.