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Platoon sergeant vs platoon leader

The differences between platoon sergeants and platoon leaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a platoon sergeant has an average salary of $95,863, which is higher than the $47,908 average annual salary of a platoon leader.

The top three skills for a platoon sergeant include safety procedures, combat and professional development. The most important skills for a platoon leader are combat, personnel management, and logistical support.

Platoon sergeant vs platoon leader overview

Platoon SergeantPlatoon Leader
Yearly salary$95,863$47,908
Hourly rate$46.09$23.03
Growth rate3%-
Number of jobs35714,546
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 42%Bachelor's Degree, 83%
Average age4634
Years of experience--

What does a platoon sergeant do?

A platoon sergeant is responsible for monitoring the platoon on its daily operations, including their training and activities, evaluating their performance, and enforcing disciplinary actions to maintain the order of the group. Platoon sergeants work closely with a platoon commander, advising high-end strategic procedures to support the troops, including defense training and weapon tactics. They also coordinate with different units, especially on deploying the platoon for assignments and security duties to maintain the peace of the vicinity.

What does a platoon leader do?

A platoon leader is responsible for monitoring the daily activities of a group of soldiers on their military activities and field operations under the supervision of a general. Platoon leaders delegate tasks and directives to the squad, ensuring their strict adherence to the standard protocols and safety regulations. They also handle the training of soldiers, including weaponry utilization and defense combat techniques. They patrol a designated area, report suspicious activities, and maintain the safety and security of the civilians from potential threats and terrorist attacks.

Platoon sergeant vs platoon leader salary

Platoon sergeants and platoon leaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

Platoon SergeantPlatoon Leader
Average salary$95,863$47,908
Salary rangeBetween $68,000 And $134,000Between $25,000 And $89,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between platoon sergeant and platoon leader education

There are a few differences between a platoon sergeant and a platoon leader in terms of educational background:

Platoon SergeantPlatoon Leader
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 42%Bachelor's Degree, 83%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegePennsylvania State University-

Platoon sergeant vs platoon leader demographics

Here are the differences between platoon sergeants' and platoon leaders' demographics:

Platoon SergeantPlatoon Leader
Average age4634
Gender ratioMale, 93.6% Female, 6.4%Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 1.8% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 4.4% White, 71.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage11%20%

Differences between platoon sergeant and platoon leader duties and responsibilities

Platoon sergeant example responsibilities.

  • Orchestrate squadron recognition programs, manage enlisted promotion recommendations and alleviate all airmen quality force issues.
  • Mentore and maintain accountability of soldiers within the platoon, providing positive guidance for their personal and professional development.
  • Train ROTC students during drills.
  • Award combat action badge for duty in OIF.
  • Assist in training and mentoring college ROTC cadets.
  • Evaluate training processes as they pertain to a broad range of equipment, organizations, and doctrine.
  • Show more

Platoon leader example responsibilities.

  • Manage 79 supply line items worth $105,000 and hazardous material (HAZMAT) redistribution facility.
  • Manage the tactical and administrative aspects of battery operations and performance.
  • Suggest a new incentive tactic to persuade redeployment requests, resulting in a decrease of demands ;.
  • Lead a motorize reconnaissance platoon.
  • Present numerous PowerPoint presentations to both supervisors and subordinates.
  • Deliver situations reports and briefings utilizing PowerPoint to superiors and subordinates.
  • Show more

Platoon sergeant vs platoon leader skills

Common platoon sergeant skills
  • Safety Procedures, 20%
  • Combat, 15%
  • Professional Development, 8%
  • Weapons Systems, 8%
  • NCO, 6%
  • Logistical Support, 6%
Common platoon leader skills
  • Combat, 19%
  • Personnel Management, 13%
  • Logistical Support, 10%
  • Property Accountability, 8%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Training Events, 3%

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