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I joined the Air Force at age 18. We didn't get paid a lot back then (entered in 1990) but it turned out to provide a good life for me. I stayed in 20 years, retired, and now doing the same thing in jeans and a T-shirt as a civilian.
The pay still isn't great starting out but it's higher than minimum wage. There are ways to enter as an E-3 that I've lost touch with but even if you enter as an E-1, you'll get $1566 base pay per month. That's only about $9 per hour but keep in mind you eat at the dining facility for free and you wouldn't be paying for the roof over your head (dormitory with your own room). As you get older and venture out to get your own place, you'll get $368 per month for food allowance and you'll get paid a housing allowance which is dependent on your location. For example, if you are stationed at Eglin AFB in Florida and move off base as an E-3, you'd get $1077 per month additional. E-3 pay is $1963 per month. Add your food allowance and housing allowance, and suddenly the pay looks pretty good at $3408 per month which is just over $40k per year! Sheesh, no wonder all the young guys on base are driving new cars. Ha!
The military has its frustrations like any other job but if you stay out of trouble, it can be very rewarding. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
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