This is a list of typical military pay, from entry-level Army privates ($24,648 a year) to Air Force generals ($203,688). Base pay for a new enlistee comes out to $20,340 per year, but they'll earn more as they gain experience and rank. Most service members also receive allowances for housing, food, uniforms, and job-specific bonuses, many of which are not taxed. Other benefits, like government healthcare and tax-free portions of their pay, help service members stretch their earnings a bit farther than civilian counterparts. The full military pay chart can be found here.

---