What salary can I expect from entry level civilian military jobs?

I'm exploring options for civilian roles within the military, and I'm curious about the salary expectations for entry-level positions. Does anyone have insights on what starting salaries might look like?

Civilian roles within the military can vary greatly in terms of salary expectations, primarily due to the diversity of these roles. Entry-level positions might encompass anything from administrative roles, IT specialists, human resources, engineering, to healthcare and more. Each of these fields has its own unique salary range and progression.

That said, all federal jobs, civilian military jobs included, are typically structured under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which ranges from GS-1 to GS-15. As an entry-level employee, you're likely to start at grades GS-1 through GS-3. For 2024, the base salary for GS-1 ranges from $19,738 to $25,439 per annum, GS-2 from $22,159 to $29,438, and GS-3 from $24,184 to $31,435, depending on the step level and locality pay.

Locality pay, which adjusts the base salary based on the cost of living in different geographic areas, is another factor to consider when examining salaries for federal jobs. For example, a GS-2 step 1 in a place like San Francisco, a high-cost area, could earn about $27,607, while the same position in a lower cost area might earn around $22,159.

While starting salaries in the GS-1 to GS-3 range may seem modest, remember there are often clear pathways for progression. It’s essential to look beyond just the starting salary and factor in future growth potential and other benefits such as healthcare, pensions, and vacation days.

One of the key takeaways here is that it's important to do proper research on specific roles that interest you for a better understanding of salary projections. Websites such as the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's official site or USAJobs have plenty of resources and detailed information about pay scales and guidelines for federal positions.