What Does an e3 and e4 make in the military after taxes?

Question

I know this is an uncomfortable question to ask but I was wondering if anyone was secure enough to share with me what the take home pay is for an e3 and e4 with lest than 2 years experience in the military. Now I know the military pay chart has it all mapped out, but I want to know what a single (non-married /no kids) individual can expect to take home in a pay check from the military at these pay rates. The reason I am asking is because I am currently at a point where I am am deciding on leaving my full time job to enlist full time with the united states navy. I want to know where will I make the better money long term. Currently at 24 years old my salary is 39350 (police officer) . financially would that be a bad move on my end. My pay checks are usually about 1200.00 after taxes. what is an e3 and e4s pay check after taxes. remember key thing here is what is the better paying job LONG TERM. I have my degree so eventually i would want to put in an officer package with the military. (im not competitive for it right now)

Answer 1

If you're a police officer now and the recruiter is only offering you an E-3 or E-4 >> talk to a different one!!  You should be able to do better than that.

Answer 2

What will you be making in 10, 20 or 30 years with the cops if you became a sergent, detective, or whatever is available?

How does that compare with Navy pay?

Do you like being a cop?  If not, would it be better if you hung in and got a speciality or promotion?  How does the Navy compare?

Answer 3

It depends on how many exemptions they claim, for federal Tax purposes. Also some states don't have state income taxes.

I worked for the Sheriff's Department before I enlisted in the Air Force and I made less money my first 3 or 4 years in the military. After I' had been in 6 or 7 years I was making way more than I would have at the Sheriffs department. You get a raise every year, a couple of yearsI I've even received 3 or 4 raises in a year.  

Basic military pay isn't a lot but when you start getting, BAS - money for food, BAH - a housing allowance, clothing allowance, re-enlistment bonuses then it really starts to add up. Not to mention all of benefits.

In the short-term if you go in enlisted, you'll be making less but in the long-term you'll be making a lot more. If you go in as an officer you'll be making more than you are right now.