Military Workers, Enlisted

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; for example, anyone with a grade of E-4 will have the same basic pay whether in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Coast Guard. 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. Keep in mind that members of the military receive free housing, food, and health care—items that civilians typically pay for themselves.

In 2025, enlisted personnel at the E-2 paygrade level, with more than two years' experience, had monthly earnings of about $2,363, or $28,356 per year. Paygrade level E-8 personnel with more than eight years of experience earned about $5,450 per month, or $65,400 annually. Level E-9 personnel with 18 years of experience earned $7,448 monthly ($89,376 annually).

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.