Military Recruiters

The U.S. Congress sets the pay scales for the military after hearing recommendations from the president. The pay for equivalent grades is the same in all services; anyone with a grade of E-4, for example, will have the same basic pay whether in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Coast Guard.

In 2020, enlisted personnel at the E-2 paygrade level, with more than two years' experience, had monthly earnings of about $1,943, or $23,316 per year. Paygrade level E-8 personnel with eight years of experience earned about $4,480 per month, or $53,760 annually. Level E-9 personnel with 18 years of experience earned $6,123 monthly ($73,476 annually).

Officers at the O-1 paygrade level with less than two years' experience had monthly wages of $3,287, or annual salaries of $39,444, in 2020. Those at the O-4 paygrade level with six years of experience earned about $6,599 monthly, or $79,188 annually. Paygrade O-8 officers with 14 years of experience earned $13,188 monthly, or $158,256 annually.

In addition to basic pay, personnel who frequently and regularly participate in combat may earn hazardous duty pay. Other special allowances include special duty pay and foreign duty pay. Earnings start relatively low but increase on a fairly regular basis as individuals advance in rank. When reviewing earnings, it is important to keep in mind that members of the military receive free housing, food, and health care—items that civilians typically pay for themselves.

Additional benefits for military personnel include uniform allowances, 30 days' paid vacation time per year, and the opportunity to retire after 20 years of service. Generally, those retiring will receive 40 percent of the average of the highest three years of their base pay. This amount rises incrementally, reaching 75 percent of the average of the highest three years of base pay after 30 years of service. All retirement provisions are subject to change, however, and you should verify them as well as current salary information before you enlist. Those who retire after 20 years of service are usually in their 40s and thus have plenty of time, as well as an accumulation of skills, with which to start a second career.