How much money does a Starship Officer make?
Before I start let me say I didn't post this in the "Narrator's Ready Room" for nothing. This isn't intended as a discussion if the Federation uses money or not (see below). I am just assuming they do and would like to ask you all the following question:
How much does a Starship Officer earn (per month) based on rank (or rating) and time in service?
For the sake of the argument let's assume that a moderate 24th century standard of living costs 1,000 credits (orwhateveryouwanttocallit) a month per person, including a nice apartment, dining out from time to time, occasionally renting a holosuite plus new clothes when you need them and a vacation now and again.
Any ideas guys?
Note:
Somebody might want to know why I am assuming the Federation uses money, even if on-screen evidence seems to point to a non-monetary society.
What got me thinking about this problem is that a non-monetary economy is AFAIK not a prerequisite for Federation membership. So what about a human Starfleet officer who decides to settle down on (for example) Bolarus after leaving Starfleet? What if they don't use money on Earth, but on Bolarus they do? Our ex-Officer will have lots of problems moving to Bolarus, if he doesn't have a single credit in his pocket and I don't think Starfleet would just tell him "Sorry man, but you can't live where you want, cause we are not going to pay you anything for your time with the fleet". :D;)
Re: How much money does a Starship Officer make?
Quote:
Originally posted by Lancer
Note:
Somebody might want to know why I am assuming the Federation uses money, even if on-screen evidence seems to point to a non-monetary society.
What got me thinking about this problem is that a non-monetary economy is AFAIK not a prerequisite for Federation membership. So what about a human Starfleet officer who decides to settle down on (for example) Bolarus after leaving Starfleet? What if they don't use money on Earth, but on Bolarus they do? Our ex-Officer will have lots of problems moving to Bolarus, if he doesn't have a single credit in his pocket and I don't think Starfleet would just tell him "Sorry man, but you can't live where you want, cause we are not going to pay you anything for your time with the fleet". :D;)
The question is what do you money for, if you can replicate anything you need. There is no sense in paying anything which you can get with the computer's help - even coins or any other form of currency. The only need for it would be to pay power usage, however concerning the advanced technology power generators are highly effective and thus energy is not that valuable. There are power sources which enable a small shuttlecraft of few meters size, to reach almost lightspeed, have shields and life support, etc.
While the non-existence of money is no need to become a member I beliebe it actually is part of becoming one. What do you need money for if the galactic community gives it to you at no costs. You need industrial replicators - here you are, anything else?