I'm not sure if it's accurate to just compare the salaries. An inflation-indexed defined benefit pension and free healthcare is worth way more than the 50k difference. Don't forget that the O2 and O3 promotions are both also like a 25% pay increase, and come within 24 months each.I'm looking for advice on what career path to take-- and figuring out how to balance enjoying life versus financial stability vs taking risks.
I'm enlisted active duty and planning on separating and doing ROTC (use the GI Bill) to go get my Bachelor's and to try to commission as an officer. My plan was to just continue the military life and aim for the 20-year retirement (or until I no longer enjoy it).
Recently, I've spoken with some contractors, and it seems there are job positions available in the 120-150k range here.
For context, I live in California-- and using this calculator: https://militarypay.defense.gov/calcula ... alculator/
Currently my compensation is about $78,682.94 (E-4 rank)
The contractor position here is 150k (after California taxes, roughly $98,826)
An O-E1 commissioned officer who still lived in the same area would be $108,236.24 (this pay would change depending on the living costs in the area, like if in Ohio, it'd be around $89,049.87)
ROTC Pros:
- Get my Bachelor's degree (albeit maybe not in the major I would've preferred, but it is what fits in my schedule)
- Pay is definitely better than enlisted, but may not be as high as contractors
- Financial stability (pretty important to me, I think, the outside job market is scary)
- Retirement pension (if I make it to 20 years-- essentially early retirement in my 40's)
ROTC Cons:
- Constantly have to move
- Rebuilding social circles is difficult
- Military life is a strain on relationships
Contractor Pros:
- Immediately make more, more room for income growth
- Very good contractor opportunity (connections)
- Would not have to constantly move
- Would not have to rebuild social circles (this is very draining on me)
Contractor Cons
- Job instability (turnover rates)
- Difficult to also go to college
- Loss of military benefits, unless I join the Reserves/Guard
It feels like taking the contractor position is more risky (less financial stability) but a better chance to settle down. It feels more high-risk, high-reward. Essentially trading financial stability for the chance of making a lot more, but in a risky job market + the chance to establish roots/relationships
It feels like taking the ROTC/staying in the path is financially less risky, but more "life" risky. I'll get my degree, I'll have job security with good pay for another 4 years. But then there's the risk of moving to a place I don't want to move to, putting a strain on relationships, and it being difficult to rebuild a social circle.
Statistics: Posted by Maverick3320 — Tue Sep 09, 2025 11:25 am — Replies 31 — Views 2519