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Squad leader vs platoon sergeant

The differences between squad leaders and platoon sergeants 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 $57,705 average annual salary of a squad leader.

The top three skills for a squad leader include combat, weapons systems and non. The most important skills for a platoon sergeant are safety procedures, combat, and professional development.

Squad leader vs platoon sergeant overview

Squad LeaderPlatoon Sergeant
Yearly salary$57,705$95,863
Hourly rate$27.74$46.09
Growth rate-3%
Number of jobs15,013357
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Average age3446
Years of experience--

What does a squad leader do?

A squad leader is responsible for managing the troop's mission objectives, ensuring that each squad member carries out the role and duties efficiently, following the standard protocols and safety procedures strictly. Squad leaders report mission updates to the patrol superiors, inspect unit vehicles and equipment, delegate patrol areas for the troops, provide training support, and give proper commands from the superior's orders. A squad leader must have excellent leadership and organizational skills, especially on working with high-level operations to keep the squad safe.

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.

Squad leader vs platoon sergeant salary

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

Squad LeaderPlatoon Sergeant
Average salary$57,705$95,863
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $121,000Between $68,000 And $134,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between squad leader and platoon sergeant education

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

Squad LeaderPlatoon Sergeant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of CharlestonPennsylvania State University

Squad leader vs platoon sergeant demographics

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

Squad LeaderPlatoon Sergeant
Average age3446
Gender ratioMale, 93.5% Female, 6.5%Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage20%11%

Differences between squad leader and platoon sergeant duties and responsibilities

Squad leader example responsibilities.

  • Plan and lead covert raids on high value individuals in conjunction with counter terrorism and counter international crimes in Basra province.
  • Manage the tactical and administrative aspects of battery operations and performance.
  • Serve honorably, train in all aspects of leadership, security, and anti terrorism tactics.
  • Coordinate and supervise the training and tactical employment of infantry unit preparing for combat operations.
  • Develop and supervise the battalion level chemical munitions training lanes for a newly develop platoon certification exercise for EOD.
  • Direct the assembly of ribbon and fix bridges.
  • Show more

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

Squad leader vs platoon sergeant skills

Common squad leader skills
  • Combat, 22%
  • Weapons Systems, 13%
  • Non, 9%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Technical Guidance, 4%
  • NCO, 3%
Common platoon sergeant skills
  • Safety Procedures, 20%
  • Combat, 15%
  • Professional Development, 8%
  • Weapons Systems, 8%
  • NCO, 6%
  • Logistical Support, 6%

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