Military Pay vs. Walmart/Amazon: Who Really Makes More?

Thinking about skipping the military because of low pay? This video breaks down the real cost of living for a new Soldier compared to an entry-level Walmart or Amazon employee. We factor in housing allowances, food stipends, and typical bills to show who REALLY comes out on top financially.
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Christopher Chaos
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**DISCLAIMER:
I make videos on topics I have direct experience with as well as indirect experience with to help save some people the time to research the topic on their own. Be aware mistakes can be made as well as changes can be made by the Army. It’s best to use my content as a reference, but if needed you should always talk with an Army recruiter for more information on a topic. The content I create is my own opinion and experiences. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. I also do not represent the DOD and all content in my videos are my opinions.

[@bigp8940]

As a Walmart employee of two years, I’d say enlisting in the army is a much more better paying and fulfilling career path from what I can see

[@Unknwn-_]

As a walmart employee, I highlyyy agree.

[@Brajany]

i mean yeah after Gail Lewis got drafted to Costco after playing for Walmart for 10 years, we gotta run with Costco from now on

[@arielabril1981]

What is fulfilling of going to fight a stupid war like in Irak,and coming back dead or maimed,just for oil interests?better go to university,get a degree and do something useful

[@anonymousm9113]

Twenty-four years ago, I was a mechanic. In 2001, I enlisted as an E-1. I retired at the end of 2022, getting a job in retail while still on leave. Here's my take, prior to watching this video. In 2001, being a skilled material handling equipment road technician, I made $12/hr. I was the youngest tech by far, but at the time even the most experienced mechanics in my area were lucky to top $20/hr. Enlisting as an E-1 (I wanted Infantry and passed up the chance for bonuses or promotions if I took a mechanical MOS), I made under $1k/month, about half of what I'd made turning wrenches. I got married during OSUT, so when BAH kicked in and I made E-2, my pay jumped to over $1700/month. By 2005, I was an E-5 stationed in DC, making nearly $3500/mo. combined. I won't bore everyone any more than I already am with a year-by-year breakdown, but in addition to my base pay and allowances, I got over five years total of Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP) -- $450/mo. for 38 months as a Recruiter and $300 (later $375)/mo. for 24 months as a Drill Sergeant. When I retired, I was an E-7 stationed in the DC area, making about $103k/yr. combined. By the time I retired, I was working in a unit where I could have stayed on as a Contractor making a high five-figure salary. I had my clearance, a lot of network contacts including general officers, and a solid resume. The Army had paid for my bachelor's, given me skills and certifications I never dreamed of getting when I earned that blue cord back in 2002, and overall transformed me from the blue-collar worker I'd been two decades earlier. I wanted to go back South, though, to the home I bought using a VA loan. Despite living in this house only a few years prior to retirement, I have over 15 years of equity in it, with projected payoff being in well under a decade. I took my retail job at a company where employees are looked after, and when my annual raise takes effect, I'll be making just under $20/hr. I'm in charge of no one, have zero authority, little customer interaction, and exist primarily to make sure the ATF doesn't revoke our FFL, so I'm happy enough. All that said, I'm making under $40k/yr. working 40 hours a week. At my peak workload in the Army, I was working 12 hours seven days a week (RC-East Liaison for my brigade), and then 12-18 hours five-six days a week (Drill Sergeant), making a little more than that but nowhere near as much hourly taking everything into consideration. The hours are nice, but my retirement each month basically matches my wages at the retail job. As a 100% Disabled Vet, my disability dwarfs what I make, plus between Tricare and VA benefits, I don't have to pay for health insurance through my job. I put a fair amount into 401k, have vision and dental, and put a little into the fund to help coworkers in need, but otherwise don't have the deductions that many of my retail peers have. Thanks to over 20 years in the Army, my total income is as much or more than what my store manager makes. We took different paths, but all told, I'll keep my stress-free low-level job over being the person responsible for everything my store achieves or fails at. If I get fired, my income drops by about 30%, if he gets fired, his income drops by 100%.

[@jimgrant4348]

Too often, people only look at how big their paycheck is. They don't take into account health benefits, housing, food, etc. Even after college, putting in your years to retirement, getting a second career, and retiring, you can collect both retirements. Plus, you would have TriCare for Life, as will your spouse and minor dependents. Sounds pretty good to me.

[@golfery5119]

Keep in mind with retirement that that's assuming you're able to do so since less than twenty percent of people in the whole military actually do twenty years and retire. I don't know how it breaks down by branch (the army has to be the second most difficult branch , physically and emotionally, after the marines) and officer vs enlisted

[@lelandgaunt9985]

Not in the remaining 29 states that have Windfall Emimination Provision, you will not be collecting two retirements.

[@jimgrant4348]

@lelandgaunt9985 The WEP is based on SSA benefits and has a cap. If you have two government pensions or a pension from a union or something else, there is no downside.

[@TomCastor]

@@jimgrant4348 Retired Naval Officer (15yrs AD (4 enlisted) & 17yrs Reserve) AND Retired Govvie (30yrs)...fully retired at 58 and started double-dipping at age 60. Facts bro, and let me tell you ife is very, very good!

[@arielabril1981]

going to fight a stupid war like in Irak,and coming back dead or maimed,just for oil interests?better go to university,get a degree and do something useful

[@liahnotleah]

1) if you're joining the MILITARY for the MONEY, honey you deserve to be sent out into an active combat zone 😭 2) as someone who worked retail for years, no, I'd rather handle explosives than deal with a customer.

[@JaffaGaffa]

😄

[@VGMRMissCoriel]

as i have been both a soldier and a Walmart employee, there is one thing they don't tell you: Walmart saves costs by making sure everyone is part time only. They do what they can to keep you less that 40 hours and even better, less than 35. This also allows them to prevent you from receiving healthcare and other benefits you get as a full time worker. I found my checks at the end to be lacking. At $17 an hour, you'd be more likley to gross 2380 a month. On top of that, occasional forced donations and the like makes it hard to make ends meet with walmart.

[@user-be7tc2bd6e]

Occasional forced donations,what are these ????

[@VGMRMissCoriel]

@@user-be7tc2bd6e Some time during the year, walmart employees are asked to make donations to certain things to reach a quota of some sort.. I don't know if they still do it but it happened 10 years ago

[@user-be7tc2bd6e]

@@VGMRMissCoriel Okay,thanks for the reply and the info,it's appreciated.

[@vennispollock8549]

I had 20 years with Walmart/ Sams, believe me GO ARMY..

[@demonbadger86]

I have a wife and 2 kids, being in the military for 13 years now (in Australia) means we get practically everything on support, medical for example. I wouldn't get that if I worked at some chain shopping centre. The base pay isn't amazing but the benefits make things so much easier.

[@bobanderson6656]

It's the same in the US. The extra compensation - housing, medical, shopping at the PX all have value. Plus there's the prospect of promotion and taking military acquired skills to the civilian sector post-military.

[@metalmike570]

@@bobanderson6656 And once you're out the Dept. of Veterans Affairs will help you out, and possibly pay you compenstion for injuries and any associated mental problems. And you can use the VA hospitals if you need too. Leave the miitary honorably though.

[@jackcarraway4707]

Despite the massive flaws with the military, at the very least you will not have to worry about housing and health insurance.

[@metalmike570]

Same as prison!

[@razor3106]

Walmart employee here. Pay after 4 years is $14.28/hour (up from $11.25 when I first started.) and I honestly wish that was the worst thing about working here. (It's like the 5th worst thing.) If I lived in an area with better paying job opportunities, or was young enough to go into the military, I would've left Walmart after my 1st week. Don't let Walmart be what keeps you from going military if that's what you want to do.

[@JaffaGaffa]

Stay strong💪 fellow stranger

[@razor3106]

@@JaffaGaffa will do 💪

[@larrysmith2655]

There should be a version of this for officers. Just graduated officer pay compared to average IT, accounting job or another entry level college field.

[@davidlopan7152]

original smile emoji for the win

[@b3stia.666]

There are so many skills you can pick up from serving in the Military that money can't buy. You're only worth what you know.

[@davidalexander3093]

Like what?

[@arielabril1981]

Yes,nothing like coming back home maimed or in a body bag.

[@metalmike570]

@@davidalexander3093 In the Army though you should learn teamwork and way better than civilian snowflakes, but some of the Army leaders aren't good - I think and I served quite a long time. Still you would probably have a better time in the Army. So try to do a combat arms MOS and if you think it's too tough you can change your MOS at some point, known as reclassification.

[@gergelyvarju6679]

People who enlist as E3 (was in JROTC), get a good bonus (based on MOS) have even better chances. I am sure that a promotion to E-4 can be faster than a meaningful promotion at Walmart (and that is already competitive) and after the first competitive promotion it could be better. If you also consider education, retirement plans, etc. the difference is even bigger.

[@jthavorn]

Interesting video Chris. 🤟

[@marshalltille7770]

After all these years, keep the videos coming.

[@robertgaston6479]

When I was in the Navy in 1992 . I was doing ok and had plenty cash on hand .

[@thomasedwards2754]

Good day sir I get what you are saying, but there are so many more benefits in joining, than just the pay. Example is: you are station in Europe and the whole company goes on a 4 day trip to Paris as a reward for working hard. This is a pass not counted as leave. You pay a reduced price for travel (bus) and lodging, and maybe a few tours while your in Paris. Food and other stuff Is on you. I give $300.00 to the X. O. For example and I get to travel to Paris. As a walmart employee just the air fare alone would be more than what I gave to the X.O . This is one benefits and the are others. I was in Germany for 2 years. Thank you USA for my vacation. (Yes I did my job too)

[@golfery5119]

That sounds like some air force shit right there. A unit in army does that? A forscom army unit at that?

[@golfery5119]

Im rushing to make this comment even though i havent watched the video yet. As much as the military as a whole and especially the army and marine corps suck ass, i find it difficult to believe that somebody might actually think working at walmart, unless youre a manager or somebody higher up, is better, at least from a pay and benefits viewpoint.

[@arielabril1981]

You dont get killed or maimed at walmart.

[@bCKization]

I just saw this title and i had to comment lol, join the army, get your benefits, than work at walmart while going to school and you will be earning ALOT or do whatever tf you want to.

[@golfery5119]

Yep, those benefits include having your rent paid for a year or two with the GI bill

[@legendarybrando348]

As someone who works at Walmart...NO.

[@2litmilly644]

Wow this is the perfect video for me I’m currently working at Walmart and been thinking about joining the army (88m) actually so I’m glad you’re putting this out here to make my decision

[@golfery5119]

88m may not be one of the absolute worst mos like 11b or 92g, but there are others that can be better choices. Look into things just a little bit more before just jumping into it.

[@jaquazz8971]

Being an hourly supervisor at Walmart is probably the best position to be in tbh. In most cases your working OT all the time especially if you are overnight like i am ,making $25/hr in Florida. Although OT is considered in pay when it comes to financials(which is dumb) my regular rate is like $52k ish/yr 40hrs a week but this pass year i made $69k . Thats more than a salaried exempt(no OT for them)manager at base pay which was $55k now $65k still making more. Although moving up isn’t bad either. Itll take time and 99% promotions from hourly to salary are complete BS and unless you’re a major brown noser or somehow have connections along with being incompetent at being the job you get promoted. Never based in knowledge,ethic etc. Its all based on who you know , not what you know. Medical Benefits is meh, vision and dental is good IMO.

[@lordsteppergod7269]

In Florida you start at $14 at Walmart

[@TomCastor]

Now let's compare Single CC vs Walmart CC...(assume Single CC ETS's after 4yrs) Single CC: 4yrs of contributing to a Roth TSP 1-2yrs of College completed - no debt GI Bill to complete his degree - little to no debt VA Home Loan - zero down If smart, he chose an MOS that required a TS Clearance - game changer! Bottomline, Single CC will be buying drinks for "Clean up in aisle 4" CC for the rest of his life! Game Over!

[@rickeyjames7122]

Being in the military is not a money thing.

[@Robert-zn2tj]

Hey there @ChristopherChaos I love your content, can I ask a specific question?. I'm thinking about enlisting for 17c. Currently, I'm a IT System Admin with 7 years of experience and a 4-year degree. Glassdoor says the pay is an average of $4k - $7k a month (seems a bit high), how much can I trust that figure?

[@3lbarto650]

So i ended my contract this year and i actually work at walmart i walk it there everyday since i live down the street from one… dude i make like $1,475 biweekly after taxes (california) way more money than the army ever paid me.. forget the army save your time and go to trait schools hvac emt wielding.. dockworking too youll make soo much money there

[@metalmike570]

They can look at the trade like MOS's if they think about going in. The Army has many kinds of work to do that leads into careers. I think something that has to do with housing, like construction would be a good field.

[@ATH_Berkshire]

Amazon Chris can do some overtime. With a bit of luck he should be able to get $650 (pre tax) a month and still work less hours than E2 Chris. The other thing E2 Chris gets is a decent amount of payed vacation which Amazon Chris is definitely not getting any time soon.

[@davidswanson640]

And the prospects of promotion was not factored in.

[@kayp4601]

The benefits of military service are much greater than working at Walmart. VA benefits are awesome.

[@thomasedwards2754]

The Army was fantastic! The Veterans Administration sucks big time. Chris should do a video on the VA. It suck!

[@kayp4601]

@@thomasedwards2754 the VA works well for me. I got a BA and an MBA paid for. I get 100 percent VA disability rating P and T and a check over 4k a month. The VA did a great job treating my cancer. My wife and kids get chapter 35 education assistance. I don’t pay property taxes because of my VA rating. My wife and kids get ChampaVa health insurance. The VA has come a long way. I also bought a house using the VA loan program.

[@TheChannel611]

Hey Christopher, I have multiple friends who tell me that joining the army made me an indentured servant. And that I basically “sold my soul” in a sense. I have to have someone tell me how to get my hair cut I have to have another grown man check to make sure my room is clean. Etc… how do I respond to that?

[@lelandgaunt9985]

As someone who didn’t pick a marketable mos, combat arms allowed me to get my foot in the door at burger king, hopefully I can get a career at Walmart.

[@PlannedNExecuted]

What if you’re fresh out of high school, married, and thinking about joining the Army whilst living with your spouse in your parent’s home with the dream of moving out? What will my wife do? Could she come live near the base I train at for basic training or is that only for active duty? Also if I lived off base in apartment how does transportation work?

[@jacobdelagarza4434]

i worked at walmart in colorado springs dont do that shit

[@bigdrb6900]

for me it had nothing to do with pay,

[@johnsgamingandmore1237]

Wait a minute...since when do both SM get full BHA with duel military household? Back in 2010 in FLW, it was the higher rank got full BHA and the lower rank didn't receive any BHA but both did receive full BAS

[@christopherchaos]

I though I rememberd it being the higher rank getting full and the lower ranking getting half but when I double checked it, it says both get full.

[@johnsgamingandmore1237]

@christopherchaos huh...must be a new thing. It's been 10 yrs since I was active duty and wasn't a duel military either

[@krakennate124]

I mean if you can save basicallly your entire paycheck for most of the year considering that everything necessary for living is provided to you in the army Why the heck is walmart better? Not even including the benefits

[@denellgraves2397]

I would say the only paying job at Walmart that I know of is being in Walmart transportation because their truck drivers make $110,000 a year

[@reyflp]

F the military, trust me, im in

[@ricardohurtado6340]

How much would you get if you had children?

[@Donner906]

How many times do people who work at Walmart get slapped because thier boss doesn't like them? Happens in the army.

[@metalmike570]

NO, it's more a mental bashing you still can't really put your hands on someone believe it or not unless you're a soldier and it's part of training like pulling someone out of a hole etc.... In the Army though you should learn teamwork and way better than civilian snowflakes. Still there are plenty of those types in the modern Army. So try to do a combat arms MOS and stay away from them!!

[@Donner906]

@@metalmike570 Leaders put their hands on soldiers all the time. People only care about themselves, teamwork in the army is a joke. There are too many predators.

[@metalmike570]

@@Donner906 I have a feeling it's the worst branch, I was in it for a long time, and just a SGT / E-5. I started at a way late age but I served 12 years, and I went drectly into the Army Reserves trying to achieve 8 more years. I did that and then retired in 2018. HOOOAH

[@Donner906]

@@metalmike570 There were some good leaders. I hope you were one of them.

[@metalmike570]

@@Donner906 Looking back I treated them okay, but I could have led them a little better. Then later i left active duty and went into the Reserves, and it's pretty tough to lead them I should have been a Staff Sergeant instead of a Sergeant, but I helped the ones that I could.

[@jurban611]

Notification platoon

[@PlannedNExecuted]

Moral of the story: You work at Walmart as a single person living alone, you’re pretty f*cked… Most people get less than $17 btw hahaha

[@ParkBongSig]

Chris, suppose this single civilian has a super hot mom whose house he lives in. Then he doesn't have to pay rent. He could keep that money for himself.

[@cosmicusstardust3300]

From what I was told you still have to pay for internet on the barracks

[@lelandgaunt9985]

Yeah

[@demjindajakerkenning1210]

I enlisted to go to war not to get rich

[@desertwolfarmory]

Being in the army you have to follow to sets of rules . State laws and army laws which is stupid as fuck

[@Lord_drippus]

Single soldiers get full bas takes so it it’s more like 400

[@christopherchaos]

Incorrect. Comments like this is the exact reason why I made the video i put in the card to explain it because there are so many that don't know how to read their LES.

[@Lord_drippus]

@@christopherchaos they deduct from single soldiers that’s why on Les is says meal deduction not trying to be a hole but I always understand the meal deduction was bas

[@christopherchaos]

@@Lord_drippus You really should just watch the video where I explain it.

[@austinshannon4197]

Lebron James, NBA GOAT