Which military branch tends to generate higher incomes?

Hey everyone, I've been considering a military career after graduation and am researching various factors, one of which being prospective incomes. Do any of you have information on which branch tends to pull in more money over the course of a career? Thanks in advance!

The compensation in the military is generally standardized across all branches, which includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. The base pay is determined by your rank and how many years of service you've completed, regardless of the branch you are in. This ensures that an E-5 with 4 years of service in the Army makes roughly the same base pay as an E-5 with 4 years of service in the Navy, for instance.

In addition to the base pay, there may be special payments or allowances that some individuals qualify for which vary by roles and responsibility or by the location of the assignment. For example, if your position is one that requires specialized skills or extensive training, or if it involves extra risk, such as pilot or special operations, you may qualify for special payments, often referred to as incentive or special duty pays.

Moreover, you may also receive a housing allowance, which differs based on location, and whether or not you have dependents. If you are stationed in a state with a higher cost of living, your housing allowance will be greater than someone stationed in a state with a lower cost of living.

When it comes to long-term earning potential, factors such as where you're stationed, career advancement, retirement benefits, and post-military career opportunities would play a significant role. It can kind of be a coin-toss as it greatly depends on what specific job you take within the military and how you leverage that experience in your post-military career.

Remember that the military is not just about salaries. It offers lifelong benefits like healthcare, retirement plans, GI Bill for further education, and VA loans for housing, which might also factor into your overall income and savings in the long run. You might want to consider these benefits along with the base pay in your research.