I'm considering joining the military after high school, and I'm curious about what kind of salary I can expect. Does anyone know the average monthly income for enlisted personnel? Any details would be appreciated!
Sure, I'm happy to help! The salary for enlisted military personnel really varies depending on a few factors, such as years of service, military rank, and whether or not you're receiving any form of allowance (like housing or food).
As a starting point, let's consider the lowest rank, which is an E1. As of 2024, the base pay for those with less than two years of service at this rank is $1,865 per month.
As you progress in your military career, both the rank and years of service factors increase. For example, an E4 (which could be a specialist or corporal) with three years of service would earn $2,918 per month.
Additionally, military personnel often receive allowances for housing, called Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), if government housing is not available. They may also receive allowances for subsistence, called Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), to offset the cost of meals.
Just remember that your actual pay can vary based on numerous factors, including your specific job within the military, your education level, and whether or not you're deployed. For a more precise estimate, consider visiting the Defense Finance and Accounting Service's webpage where they have detailed pay tables.
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