Title: Civilian Pay Vs. Military Pay | Work - Chron.com
Headings: Civilian Pay Vs. Military Pay
Civilian Pay Vs. Military Pay
Pay and Taxes
Perks and Benefits
Education
Drawbacks
2016 Salary Information for Physicians and Surgeons

Content: The military provides its members with housing for free on the military base. If housing is not available on base, members are paid an allowance to cover the cost of rent off the base. Additionally, members have many options for health and life insurance, which are free, whereas civilians usually have to pay for insurance premiums as well as co-pays. The military guarantees 30 days a year in vacation, whereas most civilian jobs offer one or two weeks of vacation after a year or more of service. Military members can retire with full benefits after 20 years, according to Military.com. Civilians typically work 35 years or longer before retirement is an option. Education
Many civilian jobs that pay above minimum wage require a formal education, which is costly and time-consuming. The military, however, is willing to recruit high school graduates and provide paid training, with opportunities to move up in rank with experience and proven performance. Recruits can earn a degree while serving in the military and use military programs to pay for them, including the Montgomery G.I. Bill and branch college programs, according to Military.com. Drawbacks
Military pay and benefits seem to outweigh those offered by civilian jobs, but there are drawbacks to joining the military.