[lolinder]

According to the article, a Roman soldier could buy about 15 (modern) pounds of salt with a single day's wages.

Comparisons are very hard, but to put that in a bit of perspective: at an average salary of $60k/yr, a typical American today makes $165/day. So the cost in time for a Roman to buy salt would be roughly equivalent to if the price for salt today were $11/lb.

That's more expensive than it is today (I just bought salt for ~$2.50/lb), but it's a far cry from extremely valuable.

[Retric]

$60k/yr is a poor comparison because even modern Solders get paid less than average at a base but get room and board + many benefits.

An Army private starts at, $1,833/mo that’s 21k/year. Even corporal is only getting $2,393/mo to start and cap at $2,906/mo w/ 10 years. https://www.military-ranks.org/army-pay

So a modern soldier starts at ~24lb/day of your 2.50$/lb salt, but also has much cheaper alternatives.

[lolinder]

Like I said, comparisons are hard. The point is that it wasn't a luxury good or an exceptionally valuable commodity, it was affordable.

[refurb]

US military is actually paid very well.

You’re right about the wages, but single soldiers live on base (no housing costs) and are also fed (no food costs).

That’s $1,833 per month is all discretionary which is why you hear the stories of 18 year old privates buying a new <insert fast car>. A $800/month car payment is no problem with plenty left over.

And once you get married you can live off base and a Basic Housing Allowance. If stationed in San Francisco (unlikely, but a good example), you get $3,177/month as an E-2 (Private 2nd class).

You get even more money with kids.

Then add on top a full pension after 20 years and full healthcare coverage through the VA.

Overall military pay is actually quite high.