Which branch of the military offers the highest starting pay?

I've been researching into the pay structure of the different military branches, and I'm a bit confused. Can anyone tell me often it's the same or if one particular branch offers a higher starting pay to newcomers compared to others?

Sure, it's a good question. In general, the five main branches of the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) along with the newest branch, the Space Force, have the same basic pay scales. This pay is determined by two factors: your rank, which generally corresponds with your role and your level of responsibility, and your years of service.

This basic pay is identical across all the branches as it's determined by the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS), which is governed by the Department of Defense. For example, as of 2024, an enlisted member at the E-1 pay grade (which is often the starting pay grade for those with no prior military experience) will typically earn around $1,830 per month regardless of the branch they join.

Furthermore, along with this basic pay, servicemen and servicewomen can also receive additional allowances, such as basic allowance for housing (BAH), basic allowance for subsistence (BAS), and other special pay and incentives, which might depend on their duties, location, and whether they have dependents. These allowances may vary slightly between branches or roles, but the differences are usually small.

So in essence, no branch offers a significantly higher starting pay to newcomers compared to others, but the experience in each branch and the opportunities for skill-building and advancement can vary greatly. So the right branch for you would depend on what you're looking to accomplish during your time in the military, rather than starting pay alone.