Hello folks, I've been thinking about joining the military after high school and was wondering - which branch tends to offer the best starting salary?
The starting salary among the various branches of the U.S. military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—is actually uniform for enlisted personnel, due to the standardized pay scale set by the Department of Defense. The pay scale is based on factors like rank and years of service, not so much the branch serve in.
Thus, you will likely earn a very similar starting salary whether you join the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. For instance, in 2024, a brand new enlistee (E-1 pay grade) who has less than two years of service would earn $1,785 per month, regardless of the military branch.
However, total compensation can change depending on things like job specialty and location. For instance, if you're in a role that commands a higher salary in the civilian sector, you might receive special pay. You might also receive allowances for housing and food if you live off-base, and these can be higher in costlier areas.
Therefore, I recommend thinking about what branch aligns best with your career goals and personal interests, rather than focusing purely on starting salaries. Each military branch offers unique opportunities and each plays an important role serving the country. Raised pay can also come from promotions and time-in-service, which also differ per branch. It's all about finding what fits best for you.
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