Ancient Roman Military Ranks and Wages: A Complete Guide to the Roman Army Hierarchy

The Roman Empire didn’t rise to greatness by chance—it was built on discipline, strategy, and one of the most advanced military systems in ancient history. At the heart of this powerful engine was a highly organized rank structure that kept the legions efficient, loyal, and battle-ready. But what exactly did these ranks look like? And perhaps just as intriguing—how much did Roman soldiers actually earn for their service?

In this article, we’ll break down the hierarchy of the Roman military, from the common legionary to the elite centurions and commanding officers. Along the way, we’ll explore how pay varied between the ranks and what kind of financial rewards—and risks—came with a life in the Roman army.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, writer, gamer, or just curious about life in ancient Rome, this guide will give you a fascinating glimpse into the structure and salary system of one of the most legendary military forces in history.

1. IMPERATOR (Emperor)

Role: Supreme commander of all Roman legions.
Pay: N/A – not salaried.
Bonuses: Political power, war spoils, donatives.
The Imperator held ultimate control over all military decisions, overseeing the entire Roman army. They strategized, directed campaigns, and decided on military alliances. Their authority extended beyond the battlefield, as they often influenced political decisions.

2. LEGATUS AUGUSTI PRO PRAETORE

Governor + military commander over multiple legions.
Often a senator with imperial trust.
Pay: ~250,000 sestertii/year
Bonuses: High-level land rewards, prestige.
A Legatus Augsti commanded several legions in a province. They maintained order, enforced Roman laws, and defended territories. Their role was both military and political, as they often acted as the Emperor’s representative in the province.

LEGATUS LEGIONIS (Legate)

Commander of a single legion (5,000–6,000 men)

Rank: Senatorial class
Pay: ~250,000 sestertii
Bonuses: Spoils, gifts, future political office
The Legate was in charge of one legion, making decisions on the battlefield and managing logistics, training, and supplies. They were key figures in military campaigns and played an important role in the Empire’s defense strategy.

Under the Legate:

3.1 TRIBUNUS LATICLAVIUS

2nd in command, senatorial rank
Pay: ~100,000 sestertii
Young aristocrat on command track
The Senior Tribune was often a young member of the senatorial class who assisted the Legate in leading the legion. They were involved in military strategy, administrative tasks, and ensured that the legion’s operations ran smoothly during campaigns.

3.2 PRAEFECTUS CASTRORUM (Camp Prefect)

3rd in command – logistics, training, supplies
Pay: ~50,000 sestertii
Often promoted from Primus Pilus
The Camp Prefect was responsible for managing the military camp, overseeing the training of soldiers, and ensuring proper supplies. They handled the day-to-day operations and ensured that the legion was always combat-ready.

3.3 TRIBUNI ANGUSTICLAVII (x5)

Equestrian-class junior tribunes
Staff and administrative roles
Pay: ~30,000 sestertii
Junior Tribunes were responsible for administrative duties within the legion, including managing units and assisting in the execution of orders. They typically served as officers in training, preparing them for higher ranks.

4. CENTURIONES (Centurions)

Commanders of centuries (80–100 men)

Core of Roman army hierarchy
Centurions were the backbone of the Roman army, directly leading soldiers in battle. They ensured that orders from higher-ups were carried out efficiently and maintained discipline within the legion. A Centurion’s leadership was crucial to the success of military operations.

4.1 PRIMUS PILUS (Top Centurion)

Commands 1st Cohort
Pay: ~60,000 sestertii
Sits in war councils
Eligible for equestrian class
The Primus Pilus was the senior Centurion of the first cohort, the elite unit of the legion. In battle, they led the most experienced soldiers, often at the forefront of the fighting. They also played a key role in strategic planning, attending war councils with senior commanders. This rank offered opportunities for political advancement, and the Primus Pilus could be promoted to the equestrian class. Their pay was around 60,000 sestertii, reflecting their importance and experience.

4.2 PILUS PRIOR / CENTURIONS of Cohorts 2–10

Pay: ~15,000–30,000 sestertii
Rank increases by seniority
The Pilus Prior was in charge of one of the other cohorts in the legion. They led around 480 soldiers and ensured that discipline and training were maintained. In battle, the Pilus Prior commanded their cohort and followed the orders of higher-ranking officers. They played a crucial role in the legion’s combat readiness and often gained combat recognition and promotion opportunities. Their pay ranged from 15,000 to 30,000 sestertii depending on their duties.

5. SUBORDINATES TO CENTURIONS

Role	Pay (Sestertii)	Notes

Optio

~1,800

Deputy, 2nd in command of century

Signifer

~1,500–2,000

Standard bearer & pay manager

Aquilifer

~2,000+

Eagle bearer of legion, sacred role

Tesserarius

~1,200

Watch officer, logistics

Cornicen

~1,200

Horn player, battlefield communicator

Buccinator

~1,200

Trumpeter, similar role to Cornicen

REGULAR LEGIONARY

Base soldier rank
Gross Pay: ~900 sestertii/year
Deductions: Food, equipment, clothing
Net Pay: ~300–400 sestertii
The legionary was the standard soldier in the Roman army. They fought in battles, trained regularly, and maintained their weapons and armor. Although their pay was lower, they were the backbone of Roman military power.

Bonuses:

Donatives (e.g. 1,000–3,000 sestertii after major victories)
Spoils of war
Retirement Bonus (Praemia): 3,000–5,000 denarii (~12,000–20,000 sestertii)

7. AUXILIA (Auxiliary Troops)

Non-citizens supporting Roman legions
Pay: ~600 sestertii/year
Reward: Citizenship after 25 years
Roles: Cavalry, archers, slingers, light infantry
Auxilia troops were enlisted from non-Roman citizens to support the legions. They served in specialized roles such as archers, cavalry, and light infantry. After serving for 25 years, they were granted Roman citizenship as a reward for their service.

The Roman military wasn’t just a powerhouse of discipline and strategy—it was a complex, hierarchical machine where every rank played a crucial role. From the frontline legionary to the commanding legatus, each position came with distinct responsibilities, social status, and financial rewards.

Understanding the structure and pay of Roman soldiers gives us more than just historical insight—it reveals how the empire maintained loyalty, order, and efficiency across its vast territories. The promise of promotion, prestige, and higher wages served as powerful incentives for men to serve and rise through the ranks.