How does pay work for different military jobs?

I'm curious about how the payment system works for various military roles. Are there specific pay charts that soldiers can refer to when selecting a position? Any personal experiences would be super helpful.

The pay system for military jobs is primarily based on two factors: your rank and your years of service. Each military branch – Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force – has its own pay chart, but they are mostly equivalent across branches because they are aligned with the Department of Defense's standardized pay scale.

Soldiers receive a predetermined base pay that increases with their rank and years of service. For instance, an E-1 (the lowest enlisted rank) with less than two years of service receives the lowest base pay while a General or Admiral (O-10 rank, the highest officer rank) with over 20 years of service receives the highest base pay.

Aside from base pay, additional allowances may be provided based on certain criteria. Here are a few examples:

1. Housing Allowance: If a soldier is not offered housing facilities by the military, they receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), and its rate depends on their rank, location, and whether they have dependents or not.

2. Food Allowance: Military personnel are also entitled to a Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) to cover the cost of their meals.

3. Special Pay: Certain jobs deemed hazardous or requiring special skills could receive Special Pay. This includes roles like flight personnel, divers, and medical practitioners.

4. Bonuses: Some branches offer enlistment or re-enlistment bonuses for certain jobs, especially when it's challenging to fill these positions.

The decision to select a particular military job (also known as Military Occupational Specialty, MOS) shouldn't solely be based on pay, but rather should consider one's skills, interests, and long-term career goals as well. It is always encouraged to dive more deeply into the roles you're interested in to understand the responsibilities, lifestyle, and how they align with your personal and professional aspirations.