Which US military branch has the lowest starting pay?

I'm interested in joining the military after high school, but I am also considering the financial implications. Which branch of the US military typically has the lowest starting pay, and how much could a new recruit expect to earn in their first few years?

The base pay for all branches of the U.S. military, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the Space Force, is actually determined by the Department of Defense's pay scale, so it's the same across all the branches. The salary is essentially determined by rank and length of service rather than by which specific branch one serves in.

To provide you with a tangible figure, as of 2024, a newly enlisted recruit (known as an E-1) would earn a base pay of $1,865 per month, regardless of the branch they're serving in. However, as you climb the ranks and gain more years of service, your base pay would increase accordingly, as determined by the pay scale.

Aside from base pay, other factors could affect total compensation, such as allowances for housing and meals, special duty pay or bonus pay for certain occupations, or hazard pay for those in combat zones. For example, you might receive more overall compensation if you're in an occupation that qualifies for special duty pay.

Therefore, if financial implications are a major concern for you, it might be worth considering the occupations within each military branch, as the financial benefits can greatly vary depending on the role.

Remember, joining the military is a tremendous commitment and decision. It's important to consider all facets, not just salary, including job satisfaction, potential risks, advancement opportunities, and impacts on lifestyle and family.