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Military Enlisted Salary in Philadelphia, PA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Philadelphia's cost of living (index: 101). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Philadelphia β€” Key Numbers

$41,410
Median Salary
$29,795
25th Percentile
$57,368
75th Percentile
$74,740
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median+1.0%
Philadelphia median household income$54,800
vs. City household income-24.4%

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

Cost of Living Index
101(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,350/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio39.1%
Annual rent cost$16,200
Median Home Price$265,000
Home Price / Salary6.4Γ—
20% Down Payment$53,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Philadelphia

4.4%
Unemployment Rate
6,250,000
Metro Population
30 min
Avg Commute
34.8
Median Age

Philadelphia has a metro population of 6,250,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Philadelphia, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Philadelphia is $41,410 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Philadelphia's cost of living index (101). The typical salary range runs from $29,795 (25th percentile) to $57,368 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $74,740.

Is Philadelphia affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $41,410 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Philadelphia would spend approximately 39.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,350/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in Philadelphia may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $265,000 is 6.4Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Philadelphia's overall income?

Philadelphia's median household income is $54,800. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $41,410 earns 24.4% less than the typical Philadelphia household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Philadelphia has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.