What branch of the military generally makes the most money?

I've been contemplating whether I want to apply for college or go straight into the military after finishing high school. I'm curious, is there a certain branch of the military where people generally make a higher salary?

While it's an understandable question, the reality is that basic pay in the military is determined by rank and years of service, not by the specific branch. This means that an E-1 in the Army, for instance, makes the same base salary as an E-1 in the Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force.

Beyond the basic pay, there are other factors to consider that can affect total earnings. This can include allowances for housing or meals, special duty pay for certain jobs (like flight duty or hazardous duty), and bonus pay for enlistment or reenlistment. These factors might be influenced by the specific branch based on their needs, mission, or assignment locations.

The military also offers comprehensive benefits, like health and dental care, and opportunities for education, which can play a significant role in your total compensation and can somewhat differ by branch. Additionally, each branch presents different opportunities for career progression and advancement, which can influence earnings over time.

Therefore, instead of focusing on which branch pays the most, you might want to look at which branch aligns more with your personal interests, skill sets, and long-term goals. Whether that's in terms of job opportunities within the branch, geographical locations for duty stations, or the specific culture and traditions each branch has. Some people are drawn to the sea-duty centric life of the Navy, while others may prefer the ground-based operations of the Army or the aerial focus of the Air Force. It's all about what fits you best.