I'm trying to figure out the financial aspects of joining the military right out of high school. Can anyone share what the average yearly salary is for an enlisted person? Does it really vary a lot depending on the branch?
The base pay for enlisted military personnel varies depending on rank and years of service. As of 2024, the average starting salary for an entry-level enlisted personnel, an E-1, is around $24,000 per year, not including allowances and benefits. However, military pay includes housing and subsistence allowances, and depending on the circumstances, it can also include hazard pay or combat pay.
Furthermore, as you gain more years of service and advance in rank, your pay increases. For example, an E-5 with six years of service would earn approximately $43,200 annually in basic pay.
It's crucial to remember that the branch of service does not significantly affect the base pay. The Department of Defense utilizes the same pay scale across all branches - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. However, certain roles within these branches can provide additional special duty pay or incentive pay.
In total, military compensation consists of more than just base pay. It includes housing and food allowances, health care, retirement plans, and educational benefits which all together make the total compensation package more competitive. Therefore, whilst the base pay might seem modest, the overall benefits package is quite comprehensive.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.