What's the average salary for each branch of the U.S. military?

Hey everyone, I've been considering joining the military after high school and want to get an idea of what to expect. I know this sounds a bit mercenary, but can anyone provide a rough breakdown of the average salary for each U.S. military branch?

The monetary compensation for military service members varies based on rank, years of service, and location (due to housing allowances), amongst other factors. So, as a general guideline, for enlisted members, starting pay can range around $20,000-$30,000 per year (not including benefits and other allowances). As your rank and years of service climb, so does this number.

Officers, on the other hand, will start at a higher pay grade. The starting salary for officers can range roughly between $38,000 and $60,000 per year depending upon their rank and time in service.

Now, concerning branch-specific salaries: it's important to understand that the different military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force) share the same basic pay structure, as the pay scales are regulated by the Department of Defense. Therefore, a Sergeant in the Army makes the same basic pay as a Sergeant in the Marines, for example, given equal years of service and allowances.

I would strongly advise looking into the "benefits" side of military compensation, which may be more meaningful from a financial standpoint than base salaries. This includes housing and food allowances, healthcare, retirement plans, education assistance, etc. All of these can add significant value to your overall compensation and are an integral part of military pay.

It's great that you're looking into this information ahead of time, and don't hesitate to ask more questions if you have them. Remember, though, the decision to join the military should be based on more than just potential salary - be sure to consider your career aspirations, educational goals, and personal preferences when making this decision.