The Complete 2026 Military Pay Chart: Every Rank, Every Pay Grade
Published on 2026-06-13
The Definitive 2026 Military Pay Chart
Looking for the complete 2026 military pay chart? You've come to the right place. This guide covers every single pay grade in the United States Armed Forces — from the newest E-1 private to a four-star O-10 general — with exact monthly base pay rates reflecting the 3.8% pay raise that took effect on January 1, 2026.
Whether you're an active duty service member, a reservist trying to plan your finances, or a military spouse who wants to understand the compensation package, this comprehensive 2026 military pay chart has every number you need. We've organized it by enlisted ranks, warrant officers, and commissioned officers so you can find your rate in seconds.
How to Read the 2026 Military Pay Chart
Military base pay is determined by two factors: pay grade (your rank) and years of service. Each pay grade has multiple longevity steps — every two years of creditable service, you move into a higher pay cell within the same grade. These "step increases" continue until you hit the top longevity cell for your rank, at which point you only benefit from across-the-board annual raises (like the 3.8% in 2026).
Important: The figures below represent base pay only. They do not include BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing), BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence), special pays (flight pay, sea pay, hazardous duty pay), or any other allowances. Your total compensation will be significantly higher than these base numbers. For a complete picture of your total pay including allowances, use our free military pay calculator at militarypayapp.com.
Enlisted Pay Grades: E-1 Through E-9
The enlisted ranks make up the backbone of the military. Here is the complete 2026 military pay chart for every enlisted pay grade, showing monthly base pay at key service milestones.
E-1 (Private / Seaman Recruit / Airman Basic)
| Years of Service | Monthly Base Pay | Annual Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Under 4 months | $1,885.50 | $22,626.00 |
| Over 4 months | $2,017.80 | $24,213.60 |
| Over 6 months | $2,017.80 | $24,213.60 |
| Over 1 year | $2,017.80 | $24,213.60 |
| Over 2 years | $2,124.60 | $25,495.20 |
E-2 (Private Second Class / Seaman Apprentice / Airman)
| Years of Service | Monthly Base Pay | Annual Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | $2,363.40 | $28,360.80 |
| Over 3 years | $2,472.60 | $29,671.20 |
| Over 4 years | $2,583.90 | $31,006.80 |
E-3 (Private First Class / Seaman / Airman First Class)
| Years of Service | Monthly Base Pay | Annual Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | $2,682.09 | $32,185.08 |
| Over 3 years | $2,793.90 | $33,526.80 |
| Over 4 years | $2,905.50 | $34,866.00 |
E-4 (Corporal / Specialist / Senior Airman / Petty Officer Third Class)
| Years of Service | Monthly Base Pay | Annual Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | $2,905.50 | $34,866.00 |
| Over 3 years | $3,042.60 | $36,511.20 |
| Over 4 years | $3,179.40 | $38,152.80 |
| Over 6 years | $3,316.50 | $39,798.00 |
| Over 8 years | $3,453.60 | $41,443.20 |
E-5 (Sergeant / Petty Officer Second Class)
| Years of Service | Monthly Base Pay | Annual Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | $3,179.40 | $38,152.80 |
| Over 3 years | $3,316.50 | $39,798.00 |
| Over 4 years | $3,453.60 | $41,443.20 |
| Over 6 years | $3,590.70 | $43,088.40 |
| Over 8 years | $3,727.80 | $44,733.60 |
| Over 10 years | $3,864.90 | $46,378.80 |
E-6 (Staff Sergeant / Petty Officer First Class)
| Years of Service | Monthly Base Pay | Annual Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | $3,453.60 | $41,443.20 |
| Over 4 years | $3,727.80 | $44,733.60 |
| Over 6 years | $3,864.90 | $46,378.80 |
| Over 8 years | $4,002.00 | $48,024.00 |
| Over 10 years | $4,414.20 | $52,970.40 |
| Over 12 years | $4,551.30 | $54,615.60 |
| Over 14 years | $4,688.40 | $56,260.80 |
E-7 (Sergeant First Class / Chief Petty Officer)
| Years of Service | Monthly Base Pay | Annual Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | $4,414.20 | $52,970.40 |
| Over 6 years | $4,688.40 | $56,260.80 |
| Over 8 years | $4,825.50 | $57,906.00 |
| Over 10 years | $5,100.00 | $61,200.00 |
| Over 12 years | $5,237.10 | $62,845.20 |
| Over 14 years | $5,374.20 | $64,490.40 |
| Over 16 years | $5,511.30 | $66,135.60 |
| Over 18 years | $5,648.40 | $67,780.80 |
E-8 (Master Sergeant / Senior Chief Petty Officer)
| Years of Service | Monthly Base Pay | Annual Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Over 8 years | $5,237.10 | $62,845.20 |
| Over 10 years | $5,374.20 | $64,490.40 |
| Over 12 years | $5,511.30 | $66,135.60 |
| Over 14 years | $5,648.40 | $67,780.80 |
| Over 16 years | $5,785.50 | $69,426.00 |
| Over 18 years | $5,922.60 | $71,071.20 |
| Over 20 years | $6,059.70 | $72,716.40 |
E-9 (Sergeant Major / Master Chief Petty Officer / Chief Master Sergeant)
| Years of Service | Monthly Base Pay | Annual Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Over 10 years | $6,059.70 | $72,716.40 |
| Over 12 years | $6,196.80 | $74,361.60 |
| Over 14 years | $6,333.90 | $76,006.80 |
| Over 16 years | $6,471.00 | $77,652.00 |
| Over 18 years | $6,608.10 | $79,297.20 |
| Over 20 years | $6,745.20 | $80,942.40 |
| Over 22 years | $6,882.30 | $82,587.60 |
| Over 24 years | $7,019.40 | $84,232.80 |
| Over 26 years | $7,156.50 | $85,878.00 |
Warrant Officer Pay Grades: W-1 Through W-5
Warrant Officers are technical experts and specialists who bridge the gap between enlisted personnel and commissioned officers. Their pay scale is separate from both enlisted and officer tables.
| Pay Grade | Over 2 Years | Over 6 Years | Over 12 Years | Over 18 Years | Over 24 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-1 | $3,692.10 | $4,233.60 | $4,775.10 | $5,316.60 | $5,858.10 |
| W-2 | $4,233.60 | $4,775.10 | $5,316.60 | $5,858.10 | $6,399.60 |
| W-3 | $4,775.10 | $5,316.60 | $5,858.10 | $6,399.60 | $6,941.10 |
| W-4 | $5,316.60 | $5,858.10 | $6,399.60 | $6,941.10 | $7,482.60 |
| W-5 | $6,399.60 | $6,941.10 | $7,482.60 | $8,024.10 | $8,565.60 |
Officer Pay Grades: O-1 Through O-10
Commissioned officers lead the military at every level, from platoon to combatant command. Here is the 2026 military pay chart for all officer ranks.
| Pay Grade | Over 2 Years | Over 6 Years | Over 12 Years | Over 18 Years | Over 24 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-1 | $3,826.20 | $4,367.70 | — | — | — |
| O-2 | $4,367.70 | $5,100.00 | — | — | — |
| O-3 | $5,100.00 | $6,059.70 | $6,608.10 | — | — |
| O-4 | $6,059.70 | $6,608.10 | $7,156.50 | $7,482.60 | $7,808.70 |
| O-5 | $7,156.50 | $7,808.70 | $8,134.80 | $8,460.90 | $8,787.00 |
| O-6 | $8,460.90 | $9,113.10 | $9,439.20 | $9,765.30 | $10,091.40 |
| O-7 | $10,743.60 | $11,069.70 | $11,395.80 | $11,721.90 | $12,048.00 |
| O-8 | $12,048.00 | $12,374.10 | $12,700.20 | $13,026.30 | $13,352.40 |
| O-9 | $14,667.90 | $14,994.00 | $15,320.10 | $15,646.20 | $15,972.30 |
| O-10 | $16,608.30 | $16,934.40 | $17,260.50 | $17,586.60 | $17,912.70 |
How the 3.8% Raise Changed the 2026 Military Pay Chart
The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorized a 3.8% across-the-board increase to basic pay for all uniformed services. This raise was one of the largest in recent years and was designed to help military compensation keep pace with private-sector wage growth and inflation.
Here's how the 3.8% raise translated into real dollars for selected ranks:
| Rank (YOS) | 2025 Monthly | 2026 Monthly | Monthly Increase | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-4 Over 4 years | $3,063.00 | $3,179.40 | +$116.40 | +$1,396.80 |
| E-6 Over 10 years | $4,252.80 | $4,414.20 | +$161.40 | +$1,936.80 |
| E-8 Over 16 years | $5,573.70 | $5,785.50 | +$211.80 | +$2,541.60 |
| O-3 Over 6 years | $5,837.90 | $6,059.70 | +$221.80 | +$2,661.60 |
| O-5 Over 12 years | $7,837.00 | $8,134.80 | +$297.80 | +$3,573.60 |
| W-4 Over 12 years | $6,165.30 | $6,399.60 | +$234.30 | +$2,811.60 |
Every single cell in the 2026 military pay chart received the same 3.8% bump. This means the raise compounds over time — a senior E-9 with 26 years of service saw their annual base pay increase by over $3,000 compared to 2025.
What the 2026 Military Pay Chart Does NOT Include
Base pay is only one component of military compensation. When evaluating your total pay package, remember to factor in these additional elements:
- BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing): Tax-free monthly allowance based on your duty station zip code, pay grade, and dependency status. Rates vary dramatically — an E-5 with dependents in San Diego receives over $3,400/month, while the same E-5 in Fayetteville, NC receives approximately $1,500/month.
- BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence): $476.95/month for enlisted members and $328.48/month for officers in 2026. This is also tax-free.
- Special Pays: Flight pay ($150–$250/month), sea pay ($50–$520/month), hazardous duty pay ($150/month), hostile fire pay ($225/month), jump pay ($150–$250/month), and submarine pay ($75–$835/month) depending on your assignment and qualifications.
- COLA (Cost of Living Allowance): For service members stationed in high-cost areas outside the continental United States.
- TRICARE Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage with minimal or no out-of-pocket costs — a benefit worth thousands of dollars annually compared to civilian insurance premiums.
- TSP (Thrift Savings Plan): The military's 401(k)-style retirement savings plan, with matching contributions of up to 5% of base pay under the Blended Retirement System.
- GI Bill & Tuition Assistance: Education benefits that can cover full tuition at public universities plus a housing allowance.
When you add all these components together, the total military compensation package for even a junior enlisted member often exceeds $50,000–$60,000 annually — far more than the base pay figures on the 2026 military pay chart alone would suggest.
How to Use the 2026 Military Pay Chart for Financial Planning
Understanding the 2026 military pay chart is essential for making smart financial decisions. Here are practical ways to use this data:
1. Budget Around Your Base Pay
Since BAH and special pays can fluctuate with duty station changes and deployment cycles, a conservative budget should be built around your base pay alone. If you can live comfortably on base pay, every dollar of BAH and special pay becomes savings or investment capital.
2. Maximize TSP Contributions Early
The power of compound interest means that every dollar you contribute to your TSP at age 22 is worth significantly more than a dollar contributed at age 35. Even an E-4 contributing 10% of base pay ($317.94/month) to a Roth TSP in a total market index fund could accumulate over $500,000 by age 60, assuming average market returns.
3. Plan for Promotion Timing
The 2026 military pay chart shows exactly how much more you'll earn at each promotion milestone. Use this data to calculate the financial impact of making E-5 versus staying E-4 for another year, or the long-term value of pursuing a warrant officer or commission.
4. Compare Duty Stations by Total Compensation
Two duty stations with the same base pay can have vastly different total compensation due to BAH differences. An E-6 in Hawaii (high BAH) may take home $1,500+ more per month than the same E-6 in Texas (lower BAH), even though their base pay is identical.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Military Pay Chart
Is the 2026 military pay chart the same for all branches?
Yes. The Department of Defense publishes a single unified pay table that applies to all six military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard) as well as the NOAA Corps and Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. An E-5 with 8 years of service earns the same base pay whether they're in the Army, Navy, or Coast Guard.
When does the 2026 military pay chart take effect?
The 2026 pay rates took effect on January 1, 2026. The 3.8% raise was included in the first paycheck of the year (mid-January pay period).
Will there be another pay raise in 2027?
The 2027 pay raise has not yet been determined. Historically, the raise is tied to the Employment Cost Index (ECI) and is announced in the President's budget proposal each February, with final approval coming through the NDAA later in the year. The 2026 raise of 3.8% was slightly above the ECI to address retention concerns.
How does reserve and guard pay work with the 2026 military pay chart?
Reserve and National Guard members receive 1/30th of the active duty base pay rate for each drill period. A typical drill weekend (4 drill periods) pays 4/30ths of the monthly base pay. When activated or on active duty orders, reservists receive the full active duty rate shown on the 2026 military pay chart.
What is the highest base pay on the 2026 military pay chart?
The highest base pay rate in 2026 is for an O-10 (General/Admiral) with over 26 years of service, earning $17,912.70 per month or $214,952.40 per year in base pay alone. However, senior officers also receive substantial additional allowances and benefits.
Calculate Your Exact 2026 Military Pay
The 2026 military pay chart above shows base pay only. To see your complete compensation — including BAH, BAS, special pays, and tax savings — use our free interactive calculator. Just enter your rank, years of service, duty station, and dependency status.
Try the Free Military Pay Calculator → militarypayapp.comRelated Guides
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