Selecting a military branch: Potential earnings?

Hi, folks. I've been doing my research on potential life paths after high school, and joining the military has been one option I'm considering. I just wanted to understand, from a financial perspective, which branch of the military tends to make the most money on average? Thanks in advance!

Hello! When it comes to military branches, it's important to note that pay is primarily determined by rank and years of service, not the specific branch. The Department of Defense uses a standardized pay scale that applies to all branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. However, differences in pay might arise based on specialized roles within each branch.

Jobs that are considered particularly hazardous or in high demand often receive special duty pay or incentive pay, further contributing to the earning potential. For instance, Army and Marine combat roles, or Navy roles involving submarine duty, can have additional incentives. Air Force pilots or Space Force positions dealing with cutting-edge technology might also have additional benefits.

Another thing to consider is the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). If you're stationed in an area with a high cost of living, like certain parts of Hawaii or Washington D.C., you can receive an additional allowance.

Lastly, each branch provides substantial non-salary benefits, such as housing and food allowances, health care, retirement plans, GI Bill benefits, and more, which all contribute to the overall "earnings". Depending on the specific benefits of a particular branch, and how well they align with your goals (for example, some branches fully subsidize medical school), being in one versus the other may be slightly more lucrative.

In conclusion, your earnings in the military don't hinge so much on the specific branch you choose, but rather on your rank, time in service, and the specific duties you carry out. Non-salary benefits can vary, though, so I'd suggest focusing on which branch best caters to your skills, interests, and long-term career goals. Good luck with your decision!