2025 Military Base Pay: A Complete Guide
Military base pay is the core salary all U.S. service members earn, based on their rank and years of service. In 2025, military pay saw one of its most meaningful increases in recent years.
Thanks to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), junior enlisted members (E-4 and below) received a major 14.5% raise, while those ranked E-5 and above saw a 4.5% bump. These increases aim to better support troops amid rising living costs and retention challenges.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the 2025 military pay structure—complete with updated tables, key changes, and insights to help you understand exactly what you’re earning and why.
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In this Article
Key Updates for 2025 Military Base Pay
The 2025 updates aim to address financial challenges faced by junior service members while providing uniform adjustments for all ranks:
- Junior Enlisted Pay Raise: Ranks E-1 to E-4 receive a 14.5% raise, phased in across the year, with the initial 4.5% effective in January and the remainder applied by April.
- Standard Pay Increase: Ranks E-5 and above, including officers, receive a 4.5% increase effective January 1, 2025.
- Inflation Adjustment: Pay raises are designed to offset inflation and support the financial well-being of service members and their families.
2025 Military Base Pay Table
Below is the monthly base pay for 2025, categorized by rank and years of service:
2025 Military Base Pay Tables (Effective January 1, 2025)
📊 Enlisted Pay Table (E‑1 to E‑9)
| Pay Grade | <2 yr | >2 yr | >3 yr | >4 yr | >6 yr | >8 yr | >10 yr | >12 yr | >14 yr | >16 yr | >18 yr | >20 yr | >22 yr | >24 yr | >26 yr | >28 yr | >30 yr | >32 yr | >34 yr | >36 yr | >38 yr | >40 yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,319 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| E-2 | $2,599 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| E-3 | $2,733 | $2,905 | $3,081 | |||||||||||||||||||
| E-4 | $3,027 | $3,182 | $3,355 | $3,525 | $3,676 | |||||||||||||||||
| E-5 | $3,221 | $3,467 | $3,638 | $3,802 | $3,959 | $4,142 | $4,260 | |||||||||||||||
| E-6 | $3,277 | $3,606 | $3,765 | $3,920 | $4,081 | $4,444 | $4,585 | $4,859 | $4,943 | $5,003 | $5,075 | |||||||||||
| E-7 | $3,788 | $4,134 | $4,293 | $4,502 | $4,667 | $4,948 | $5,106 | $5,387 | $5,621 | $5,781 | $5,951 | $6,017 | $6,238 | $6,357 | $6,809 | $6,809 | ||||||
| E-8 | — | $5,450 | $5,691 | $5,840 | $6,019 | $6,212 | $6,562 | $6,739 | $7,041 | $7,208 | $7,619 | $7,619 | $7,772 | |||||||||
| E-9 | — | $6,657 | $6,808 | $6,998 | $7,222 | $7,448 | $7,808 | $8,115 | $8,436 | $8,929 | $8,929 | $9,374 | $9,374 | $9,843 | $9,843 | $10,337 | $10,337 | |||||
*Note: E-1 with less than 4 months of service is paid $2,144.10/mo
🧑✈️ Commissioned Officers Pay Table (O‑1 to O‑10)
| Pay Grade | <2 yr | >2 yr | >3 yr | >4 yr | >6 yr | >8 yr | >10 yr | >12 yr | >14 yr | >16 yr | >18 yr | >20 yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-1 | $3,998.40 | $4,161.90 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 | ||||||||
| O-2 | $4,606.80 | $5,246.70 | $6,042.90 | $6,247.20 | $6,375.30 | |||||||
| O-3 | $5,331.60 | $6,044.10 | $6,522.60 | $7,112.40 | $7,453.80 | $7,827.90 | $8,069.10 | $8,466.60 | $8,802.60 | $8,995.20 | $9,257.70 | |
| O-4 | $6,064.20 | $7,019.70 | $7,488.90 | $7,592.40 | $8,027.10 | $8,493.60 | $9,075.00 | $9,526.20 | $9,840.60 | $10,020.90 | $10,125.00 | |
| O-5 | $7,028.40 | $7,917.30 | $8,465.40 | $8,568.60 | $8,910.90 | $9,114.90 | $9,564.90 | $9,895.80 | $10,322.70 | $10,974.30 | $11,285.10 | |
| O-6 | $8,430.90 | $9,261.90 | $9,870.00 | $9,870.00 | $9,907.80 | $10,332.30 | $10,388.70 | $10,388.70 | $10,979.10 | $12,022.80 | $12,635.40 | |
| O-7 | $11,117.70 | $11,634.00 | $11,873.10 | $12,063.60 | $12,407.10 | $12,747.30 | $13,140.00 | $13,531.50 | $13,925.10 | $15,159.30 | $16,202.10 | |
| O-8 | $13,380.00 | $13,818.90 | $14,109.30 | $14,190.30 | $14,553.60 | $15,159.30 | $15,300.60 | $15,876.30 | $16,042.20 | $16,538.10 | $17,256.00 | |
| O-9 | Capped at Executive Level II: $18,808.20/mo | |||||||||||
| O-10 | Capped at Executive Level II: $18,808.20/mo | |||||||||||
📝 Notes & Highlights
- Pay raises effective January 1, 2025, reflect a 4.5% increase across all military ranks.
- O‑7 to O‑10 pay is capped at the Executive Schedule Level II limit of $18,808.20/month.
- Prior-enlisted officers (O‑1E, O‑2E, O‑3E) receive higher pay than standard O‑1 to O‑3 for similar service years—available in the full officer table.
- Allowances for BAH, BAS, and other entitlements are separate and not included in the base pay tables.
- Warrant Officer (W‑1 to W‑5) pay charts are available separately via DFAS and follow a similar structure with higher technical pay tiers.
Breakdown of Compensation Components
Military base pay is only one part of a service member’s total compensation. Additional allowances and benefits contribute significantly to overall income.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
BAH provides housing cost assistance based on rank, location, and family status. For example:
- San Diego, CA (E-5 with Dependents): $3,370 per month
- Dallas, TX (E-5 with Dependents): $2,200 per month
| Location | E-5 with Dependents | E-5 without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | $3,370 | $2,780 |
| Dallas, TX | $2,200 | $1,980 |
| Norfolk, VA | $2,490 | $2,200 |
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
BAS supports meal costs and is standardized across ranks:
- Enlisted: $452 per month
- Officers: $311 per month
Example Pay Scenario for 2025
Consider an E-5 service member with 6 years of experience stationed in San Diego:
| Compensation Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base Pay | $3,363 |
| Basic Allowance for Housing | $3,370 |
| Basic Allowance for Subsistence | $452 |
| Total Monthly Compensation | $7,185 |
This comprehensive package helps service members and their families manage living expenses in high-cost areas.
Annual Adjustments and Tax Considerations
Military pay undergoes annual review to ensure competitiveness and alignment with inflation rates. Here’s what to know:
Taxation
- Base Pay: Subject to federal and state taxes.
- Allowances (BAH, BAS): Non-taxable, significantly increasing take-home pay.
Special Pays and Bonuses
Service members may also qualify for:
- Hazardous Duty Pay: For assignments in dangerous environments.
- Retention Bonuses: For extending service commitments.
Military Pay Raises in Context
Military pay raises reflect national economic trends and government priorities. According to a statement from Mark Henderson, a senior financial analyst, “These increases ensure service members’ pay remains competitive and helps them meet rising living costs.”
Historical comparisons highlight the significance of the 2025 changes:
| Year | Pay Raise (%) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4.6% |
| 2024 | 5.2% |
| 2025 | 4.5%-14.5% |
The Bottom Line
The 2025 military pay updates emphasize fairness and financial support, particularly for junior enlisted ranks facing higher living costs. By understanding the components of your pay and leveraging additional allowances and benefits, you can maximize your financial security and plan effectively for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions about 2025 Military Base Pay Rates
What is the military pay raise for 2025?
Military members received a 4.5% base pay raise for 2025, effective January 1. This increase applies across all branches and ranks and reflects cost-of-living adjustments authorized by Congress to keep pace with inflation and private sector wages.
When did the 2025 military pay increase take effect?
The 2025 military pay raise took effect on January 1, 2025. All active duty service members began receiving the new rates in their January mid-month or end-of-month paycheck, depending on their branch’s payroll schedule.
What is the base pay for an E-4 in 2025?
In 2025, an E-4 with less than two years of service earns $3,027 per month. Pay increases at key service milestones, with the highest base for E-4s reaching $3,676 monthly for those with over six years of service.
What is the base pay for an O-3 in 2025?
An O-3 in 2025 earns $5,331.60 per month with less than two years of service. At over 10 years, base pay rises to $8,069.10, with a maximum of $9,257.70 for officers in this grade with 18 or more years.
Is military pay taxable in 2025?
Yes, base pay is taxable at the federal level in 2025. However, allowances like BAH (housing) and BAS (subsistence) remain tax-exempt. Some states also exempt military income from taxation, depending on residency and duty location.
What is the pay cap for senior officers in 2025?
O-7 through O-10 officers are capped at Executive Schedule Level II pay in 2025. The maximum monthly base pay allowed under this cap is $18,808.20, regardless of years of service or military branch.
How much does an E-7 make in 2025?
In 2025, an E-7 with under two years earns $3,788 per month. Pay increases with experience, reaching up to $6,809 monthly for those with 26 or more years of service. Additional pay may apply for special duties.
Are there differences in pay for prior enlisted officers?
Yes, officers with prior enlisted service (designated as O-1E, O-2E, or O-3E) receive higher base pay than their standard counterparts. This elevated pay reflects their previous enlisted time and applies after four or more years of service.
Do military pay rates include housing allowances?
No, base pay rates do not include housing. BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a separate, non-taxable benefit determined by rank, location, and dependency status. It is paid in addition to base pay and updated annually.
Where can I find the full 2025 military pay chart?
The full 2025 military pay charts are available on the official Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) website. Charts include enlisted, warrant officer, and officer pay across all service years and are updated annually.
