What's the average salary for different military jobs?

As I'm thinking about joining the military, I'm curious about the salaries for various military positions. How does pay typically vary across different jobs in the military?

In the military, pay isn't primarily determined by job function, but rather by one's rank and years of service. All individuals of the same rank and with the same amount of years in service will receive the same base pay, regardless of their job. However, there can be differences in total compensation based on additional factors such as location, deployment, and whether the position is considered high-demand or specialized.

Higher ranks inherently earn higher pay, and as you gain tenure in the military, your pay also generally increases. As an enlisted individual, for example, you might begin at an E-1 rank with a monthly base pay of around $1,785. At an E-2 rank, this might increase to around $2,000 per month.

Officers earn higher base salaries. The initial rank for officers is O-1, which comes with a monthly base pay of around $3,385. From here, it progressively increases with the attainment of higher ranks and more years of service.

In addition to base pay, the military also provides allowances for housing, food, and uniform costs, which are not taxed. These allowances vary based on factors such as geographic location and whether you have dependents.

Some military jobs come with special duty pays. For example, pilots, submariners, or explosive ordnance disposal technicians could receive additional pay due to the high-demand and specialized nature of their roles.

As for specific job functions and their corresponding pay, it's best to speak directly with a military recruiter. They can provide the most current, detailed, and accurate information about potential earnings based on your individual interests and qualifications.