How does pay work for those enlisting in the military?

If I join the military right after high school, how does the pay work for recruits? I'm trying to understand the basic salary and what factors might influence it over time, like promotions or experience.

The basic pay for military personnel is largely determined by the pay grade and the time of service. In the U.S. military, pay grades are divided into 3 tiers: enlisted (E), warrant officer (W), and officer (O). Each grade also has various ranks (E-1 through E-9 for enlisted). As a recruit, you would typically begin at the pay grade of E-1.

The basic pay rates are universal across all branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, and they increase with each promotion and also with each year of service. A recruit would generally start at the E-1 pay grade, with a basic pay of around $2,017.20 per month as of 2024.

In addition to basic pay, military personnel may also receive various allowances. These can be for housing (BAH, or Basic Allowance for Housing), food (BAS, or Basic Allowance for Subsistence), and special duties or skills (Special pay). BAH rates, for example, are based on your geographic location, pay grade, and whether you have dependents.

Furthermore, service members also receive health care, education benefits, vacation time, and retirement benefits. Health care is provided through the military health system and includes family coverage. Education benefits can include tuition assistance, GI Bill benefits, and other education and career counseling services. Vacation time includes 30 days of leave per year. After 20 years of service, military personnel can retire and receive a pension.

Remember, however, that being in the military is different from a civilian job - you're often on call 24/7, and your living conditions, duties, and whether you see combat can vary greatly. It's a way of life to carefully consider before enlisting.