What kind of salary can one expect in military jobs?

I'm starting to think about joining the military and was wondering about the salary expectations. What are the pay ranges for different roles or branches, especially for someone just starting out?

Military pay varies significantly depending on the branch of service, rank, and years in service. Starting compensation for active duty enlisted personnel is the same across all branches and it comes in the form of a base pay. As of 2024, the base pay for an enlisted, active-duty service member at the entry-level rank (E-1) with less than two years of service is roughly $24,000 per year, not including allowances and benefits. However, the military provides numerous additional forms of compensation such as housing and subsistence allowances, tax advantages, and healthcare benefits, which can significantly increase the total compensation.

Service members receive regular pay raises as they gain seniority and climb the ranks. For example, an E-5 (Sergeant in the Army or Marine Corps, Petty Officer Second Class in the Navy/Coast Guard, Staff Sergeant in the Air Force) with over six years of service might be earning a base pay of close to $36,000 per year. Officers, those who have a bachelor's degree and went through officer training, start with higher pay. For instance, an O-1 (Second Lieutenant in the Army/Air/Space Force/Marine Corps, Ensign in the Navy/Coast Guard) with less than two years of service may earn around $45,000 per year in base pay.

Certain roles in the military, such as those in aviation or Special Forces, might also receive additional incentive or special pay. This could be anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a month, depending on the specific role and requirements. Overseas assignments or deployments may also increase total compensation due to allowances for cost of living adjustments or hazardous duty.

Remember, while salary is an important factor, many people are drawn to the military for reasons beyond money, including job security, skills development, and the opportunity to serve their country.