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The U.S. military has several positions available that can let you advance your career while serving your nation, hence, it is imperative to know which branch pays the most.

However, the military has an active-duty pay chart for its military members.

The rates differ depending on rank, including enlisted soldiers, commissioned officers, warrant officers, enlisted members, and service time (in years) from 2 or fewer to over 40.

In addition, compensation often includes base pay, housing allowance, food allowance, and many other unique military benefits that can be tax-free income.

Therefore, If you are considering a U.S. military career, income could be a compelling factor in your decision.

Unfortunately, there is no precise answer for which military branch pays the most since your earnings depend on your rank and pay grade, which can be affected by tax-free allowances and special pay.

In this article, we answer which U.S. military branch pays the most. Stay with us…

What Military Branch Pays the Most?

We would be looking at what military branch pays the most and how much they earn on the job.

The following military branch pays the most:

Which Military Branch Pays the Most |Full List

1. U.S Navy

The U.S. navy is responsible for protecting the interests of the United States at sea.

The U.S. navy handles operations on and under the sea, in the air, and on the ground.

The average monthly pay for the Navy jobs category in the United States is $63,830 a Year.

While ZipRecruiter is seeing monthly salaries as high as $13,083 and as low as $1,625, the majority of salaries within the Navy jobs category currently range between $2,750 (25th percentile) to $6,000 (75th percentile) across the United States.

The average pay range for a Navy job varies greatly (by as much as $3,250), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

2. U.S Coast Guard

The U.S. coast guard is technically a part of the U.S. department of homeland and is primarily responsible for law enforcement, illegal immigration controls boating safety, and sea rescue in our domestic waterways.

Average Salary: $805

3. U.S Marine Corps

The U.S. Marine specialize in assaults, capture, control of beachhead, and amphibious operations.

They have expanded to ground combat as well, it is primarily a self-sufficient branch with its own airpower of attack helicopters, fighters, and bombers.

The average annual pay for the Marine Corps jobs category in the United States is $59,544 a year.

Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $28.63 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,145/week or $4,962/month.

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $121,500 and as low as $11,500, the majority of salaries within the Marine Corps jobs category currently range between $37,000 (25th percentile) to $72,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $101,500 annually across the United States.

The average pay range for a Marine Corps job varies greatly (by as much as $35,000), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

The Marine Corps job market in both Chicago, IL, and the surrounding area is very active.

Average salary: $59,544

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4. U.S Army

This is the main ground of the united states and its primary function is to protect and defend the country with ground troops, attack helicopters, artillery, tactical nuclear weapons, and other weapons.

The average monthly pay for the Army Soldier jobs category in the United States is $31,127 a Year.

While ZipRecruiter is seeing monthly salaries as high as $4,292 and as low as $1,542, the majority of salaries within the Army Soldier jobs category currently range between $1,833 (25th percentile) to $3,333 (75th percentile) across the United States.

The average pay range for an Army Soldier job varies greatly (by as much as $1,500), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

The Army Soldier job market in both Chicago, IL, and throughout the entire state is not very active as few companies are currently hiring.

Average Salary: $31,127

5. U.S Air Force

25 Best Jobs In Air Force For 2022

The youngest military branch, its primary function is to defend the United States and its interests via air and space and does so by using fighter aircraft, light and heavy bombers, tank aircraft, transport aircraft, and helicopters.

This is also the branch of the military that controls nuclear ballistic missiles and military satellites.

The average annual pay for the Air Force jobs category in the United States is $67,139 a year.

Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $32.28 an hour.

This is the equivalent of $1,291/week or $5,594/month.

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $150,000 and as low as $18,000, the majority of salaries within the Air Force jobs category currently range between $35,500 (25th percentile) to $83,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $123,000 annually across the United States.

The average pay range for an Air Force job varies greatly (by as much as $48,000), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

The Air Force job market in both Chicago, IL, and the surrounding area is very active.

Average salary: $67,139

6. U.S Space Force

The U.S. Space force is the military service that organization, trains and equips space forces in order to protect the United States and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force.

The U.S. space force maintains the military’s competitive edge on land, in the air, and in orbit with specialized training and enhances its capabilities through the acquisition and development of next-generation space-based systems.

Average salary: $137,374

Conclusion

Becoming a part of the military force comes with a lot, enhance you are advised to work hard to get to that position.

Also, it would interest you to know that the military is a very lucrative career path.

We hope this article was helpful. Drop your suggestions in the comment section.

Frequently Asked Questions on What Military Branch Pays the Most

Which branch travels the most?

Every branch of the military has outposts abroad, but the Navy is perhaps the branch that travels the most.

In regions like Europe, Japan, and Korea, other branches maintain permanent foreign bases.

How smart do you have to be to join the military?

The required age range is 17 to 39. A GED is acceptable in lieu of a high school diploma if you have at least 15 college credits.

If you have a high school diploma, you must obtain a score of at least 36 on the ASVAB, or a GED, a score of at least 65.

You must also adhere to the requirements for weight, height, and physical fitness.

Is it worth going to the military?

The ability to get job training, financial aid for college, a stable income, health insurance, and housing perks are some of the most sought-after advantages of entering the U.S. military.

Here is a complete list of the advantages.

Does Air Force make more than Army?

The monthly pay for the U.S. Air Force and Army is equal.

The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard are the five American armed forces. Each service’s pay is determined by a mix of rank (pay grade) and length of service.

Which branch of military makes the most money?

Army: $646.
Marine Corps: $750.
Navy: $750.
Air Force: $520.
Coast Guard: $805.

FAQs