2026 Military Pay
Basic Pay, BAS, BAH, and Key Allowance Changes
2026 Military Basic Pay and Allowances
Primary sources:
DFAS Pay Tables
DFAS BAS Rates
DoD Family Separation Allowance
DoD Dislocation Allowance
Military pay in 2026 is more than just base pay. The taxable foundation increased by 3.8 percent, but real take home also depends on tax free allowances like BAS and BAH and assignment based payments like FSA and DLA. The smartest move is matching the official pay table to your LES before you budget rent, a move, or a mortgage.
Next step: Use Your 2026 Military Pay to Check VA Loan Eligibility
Basic Pay Snapshot
- 2026 raise: Basic pay increased 3.8 percent effective January 1, 2026.
- Common examples: E1 over 4 months is about $2,407, O1 under 2 years is about $4,150, and O3 over 6 years is about $7,737.
- What changes your number: Rank, years of service, and promotion or longevity steps all matter.
- Action: Pull your exact pay grade and step from DFAS, then confirm it on your LES instead of using averages.
BAS and BAH
- BAS update: 2026 BAS is $476.95 per month for enlisted members and $328.48 per month for officers.
- BAH moves separately: BAH changed by location, with a national average increase around 4.2 percent, but your local market can vary more.
- Tax treatment matters: BAS and BAH are generally tax free, which makes take home pay stronger than base pay alone suggests.
- Action: Use the exact duty zip for BAH and treat BAS as a separate food allowance, not housing money.
FSA and DLA
- FSA increase: Family Separation Allowance is $300 per month for qualifying separations in 2026.
- DLA update: Dislocation Allowance rates increased for calendar year 2026 and still depend on grade and dependency status.
- Assignment driven pay: These allowances are situational, so not every service member will see them.
- Action: If you are moving or separated from dependents, check the exact 2026 allowance rules before you build your budget.
LES and Official Verification
- Your LES is the source of truth: It shows entitlements, deductions, and changes that generic charts cannot capture.
- Use official tools: DFAS pay tables and myPay give the cleanest verification path for active and reserve pay.
- Mortgage planning note: Lenders usually qualify off documented LES income, not internet charts or estimates.
- Action: Save recent LES statements before shopping homes so lenders can verify base pay, BAH, and other entitlements fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Military basic pay increase in 2026?
Basic pay increased 3.8 percent effective January 1, 2026. Your exact raise depends on rank, years of service, and whether you crossed a longevity step or promoted during the year.
What is BAS in 2026 for enlisted and officers?
BAS in 2026 is $476.95 per month for enlisted members and $328.48 per month for officers. It is a subsistence allowance, separate from housing pay, and is generally tax free.
Can lenders use Military pay and allowances for a VA loan?
Yes. Lenders commonly use documented base pay and allowances such as BAH when they are verified on your LES and expected to continue. Approval still depends on credit, debts, residual income, and the full underwriting file.
2026 Military Pay Charts
Enlisted Pay Chart (Less than 2 Years to Over 6 Years of Service)
Note: Rows with an asterisk (), such as E-4 and E-3*, include the projected 10% raise slated for the spring of 2026.
| Pay Grade | 2 years or less | Over 2 | Over 3 | Over 4 | Over 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-7 | $3,788.10 | $4,134.30 | $4,293.00 | $4,502.10 | $4,666.50 |
| E-6 | $3,276.60 | $3,606.00 | $3,765.00 | $3,919.80 | $4,080.60 |
| E-5 | $3,001.50 | $3,203.70 | $3,358.80 | $3,517.20 | $3,763.80 |
| E-4* | $3,015.59 | $3,169.82 | $3,341.57 | $3,510.91 | $3,661.02 |
| E-4 | $2,752.20 | $2,892.90 | $3,049.80 | $3,204.30 | $3,341.40 |
| E-3* | $2,722.24 | $2,893.30 | $3,068.83 | $3,068.83 | $3,068.83 |
| E-3 | $2,484.60 | $2,640.60 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 |
| E-2* | $2,588.96 | $2,588.96 | $2,588.96 | $2,588.96 | $2,588.96 |
| E-2 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 |
| E-1* | $2,309.69 | $2,309.69 | $2,309.69 | $2,309.69 | $2,309.69 |
| E-1 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 |
| E-1 Less than 4 months* | $2,135.54 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| E-1 Less than 4 months | $1,949.10 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Enlisted Pay Chart (8 Years to Over 16 Years of Service)
| Pay Grade | Over 8 | Over 10 | Over 12 | Over 14 | Over 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-9 | N/A | $6,657.30 | $6,807.90 | $6,997.80 | $7,221.60 |
| E-8 | $5,449.50 | $5,690.70 | $5,839.80 | $6,018.60 | $6,212.10 |
| E-7 | $4,947.60 | $5,106.30 | $5,387.10 | $5,621.40 | $5,781.30 |
| E-6 | $4,443.90 | $4,585.20 | $4,858.80 | $4,942.50 | $5,003.40 |
| E-5 | $4,021.80 | $4,234.50 | $4,259.70 | $4,259.70 | $4,259.70 |
| E-4 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 |
| E-3 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 |
| E-2 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 |
| E-1 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 |
Enlisted Pay Chart (18 Years to Over 26 Years of Service)
| Pay Grade | Over 18 | Over 20 | Over 22 | Over 24 | Over 26 | Over 28 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-9 | $7,447.80 | $7,808.40 | $8,114.70 | $8,436.00 | $8,928.60 | $8,928.60 |
| E-8 | $6,561.90 | $6,739.20 | $7,040.70 | $7,207.80 | $7,619.40 | $7,619.40 |
| E-7 | $5,951.10 | $6,017.10 | $6,238.20 | $6,356.70 | $6,808.80 | $6,808.80 |
| E-6 | $5,074.80 | $5,074.80 | $5,074.80 | $5,074.80 | $5,074.80 | $5,074.80 |
| E-5 | $4,259.70 | $4,259.70 | $4,259.70 | $4,259.70 | $4,259.70 | $4,259.70 |
| E-4 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 |
| E-3 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 |
| E-2 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 |
| E-1 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 |
Enlisted Pay Chart (30 Years of Service)
| Pay Grade | Over 30 | Over 32 | Over 34 | Over 36 | Over 38 | Over 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-9 | $9,374.10 | $9,374.10 | $9,843.30 | $9,843.30 | $10,336.50 | $10,336.50 |
| E-8 | $7,772.10 | $7,772.10 | $7,772.10 | $7,772.10 | $7,772.10 | $7,772.10 |
| E-7 | $6,808.80 | $6,808.80 | $6,808.80 | $6,808.80 | $6,808.80 | $6,808.80 |
| E-6 | $5,074.80 | $5,074.80 | $5,074.80 | $5,074.80 | $5,074.80 | $5,074.80 |
| E-5 | $4,259.70 | $4,259.70 | $4,259.70 | $4,259.70 | $4,259.70 | $4,259.70 |
| E-4 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 | $3,341.40 |
| E-3 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 |
| E-2 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 |
| E-1 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 |
Note on Enlisted Positions with Fixed Basic Pay
Certain senior enlisted roles, such as the Sergeant Major of the Army or Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, receive fixed base pay regardless of years served. This principle extends to positions like the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, and others specified in the Uniformed Services allowances.
Officer Pay Chart (Less than 2 Years to Over 6 Years of Service)
| Pay Grade | 2 Years or Less | Over 2 | Over 3 | Over 4 | Over 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-8 | $13,380.00 | $13,818.90 | $14,109.30 | $14,190.30 | $14,553.60 |
| O-7 | $11,117.70 | $11,634.00 | $11,873.10 | $12,063.60 | $12,407.10 |
| O-6 | $8,430.90 | $9,261.90 | $9,870.00 | $9,870.00 | $9,907.80 |
| O-5 | $7,028.40 | $7,917.30 | $8,465.40 | $8,568.60 | $8,910.90 |
| O-4 | $6,064.20 | $7,019.70 | $7,488.90 | $7,592.40 | $8,027.10 |
| O-3 | $5,331.60 | $6,044.10 | $6,522.60 | $7,112.40 | $7,453.80 |
| O-2 | $4,606.80 | $5,246.70 | $6,042.90 | $6,247.20 | $6,375.30 |
| O-1 | $3,998.40 | $4,161.90 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 |
| O-3E | N/A | N/A | N/A | $7,112.40 | $7,453.80 |
| O-2E | N/A | N/A | N/A | $6,247.20 | $6,375.30 |
| O-1E | N/A | N/A | N/A | $5,031.30 | $5,372.40 |
| W-4 | $5,510.40 | $5,926.80 | $6,096.90 | $6,264.30 | $6,552.90 |
| W-3 | $5,032.20 | $5,241.30 | $5,457.00 | $5,526.90 | $5,752.20 |
| W-2 | $4,452.60 | $4,873.80 | $5,003.10 | $5,092.50 | $5,380.80 |
| W-1 | $3,908.10 | $4,329.30 | $4,442.10 | $4,681.20 | $4,963.50 |
Officer Pay Chart (8 Years to Over 16 Years of Service)
| Pay Grade | Over 8 | Over 10 | Over 12 | Over 14 | Over 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-8 | $15,159.30 | $15,300.60 | $15,876.30 | $16,042.20 | $16,538.10 |
| O-7 | $12,747.30 | $13,140.00 | $13,531.50 | $13,925.10 | $15,159.30 |
| O-6 | $10,332.30 | $10,388.70 | $10,388.70 | $10,979.10 | $12,022.80 |
| O-5 | $9,114.90 | $9,564.90 | $9,895.80 | $10,322.70 | $10,974.30 |
| O-4 | $8,493.60 | $9,075.00 | $9,526.20 | $9,840.60 | $10,020.90 |
| O-3 | $7,827.90 | $8,069.10 | $8,466.60 | $8,674.50 | $8,674.50 |
| O-2 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 |
| O-1 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 |
| O-3E | $7,827.90 | $8,069.10 | $8,466.60 | $8,802.60 | $8,995.20 |
| O-2E | $6,578.10 | $6,920.70 | $7,185.90 | $7,383.00 | $7,383.00 |
| O-1E | $5,571.30 | $5,774.40 | $5,973.60 | $6,247.20 | $6,247.20 |
| W-4 | $6,838.20 | $7,127.10 | $7,560.90 | $7,941.90 | $8,304.30 |
| W-3 | $6,195.60 | $6,657.60 | $6,875.10 | $7,126.80 | $7,385.40 |
| W-2 | $5,829.60 | $6,052.50 | $6,271.20 | $6,539.10 | $6,748.50 |
| W-1 | $5,379.90 | $5,574.30 | $5,847.00 | $6,114.30 | $6,324.60 |
Officer Pay Chart (18 Years to Over 26 Years of Service)
| Pay Grade | Over 18 | Over 20 | Over 22 | Over 24 | Over 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-10 (Note 1) | N/A | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 |
| O-9 (Note 1) | N/A | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 |
| O-8 (Note 1) | $17,256.00 | $17,917.20 | $18,359.10 | $18,359.10 | $18,359.10 |
| O-7 (Note 1) | $16,202.10 | $16,202.10 | $16,202.10 | $16,202.10 | $16,285.50 |
| O-6 (Note 1) | $12,635.40 | $13,247.70 | $13,596.30 | $13,949.10 | $14,632.80 |
| O-5 | $11,285.10 | $11,592.30 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 |
| O-4 | $10,125.00 | $10,125.00 | $10,125.00 | $10,125.00 | $10,125.00 |
| O-3 | $8,674.50 | $8,674.50 | $8,674.50 | $8,674.50 | $8,674.50 |
| O-2 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 |
| O-1 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 |
| O-3E | $9,257.70 | $9,257.70 | $9,257.70 | $9,257.70 | $9,257.70 |
| O-2E | $7,383.00 | $7,383.00 | $7,383.00 | $7,383.00 | $7,383.00 |
| O-1E | $6,247.20 | $6,247.20 | $6,247.20 | $6,247.20 | $6,247.20 |
| W-5 | N/A | $9,797.40 | $10,294.50 | $10,665.00 | $11,074.20 |
| W-4 | $8,601.60 | $8,891.10 | $9,315.60 | $9,664.80 | $10,062.90 |
| W-3 | $7,851.90 | $8,166.30 | $8,354.40 | $8,554.50 | $8,827.20 |
| W-2 | $6,937.80 | $7,164.60 | $7,313.70 | $7,431.90 | $7,431.90 |
| W-1 | $6,518.40 | $6,753.60 | $6,753.60 | $6,753.60 | $6,753.60 |
Officer Pay Chart (Over 28 Years of Service)
| Pay Grade | Over 28 | Over 30 | Over 32 | Over 34 | Over 36 | Over 38 | Over 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-10 (Note 1) | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 |
| O-9 (Note 1) | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 |
| O-8 (Note 1) | $18,359.10 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 | $18,808.20 |
| O-7 (Note 1) | $16,285.50 | $16,611.00 | $16,611.00 | $16,611.00 | $16,611.00 | $16,611.00 | $16,611.00 |
| O-6 (Note 2) | $14,632.80 | $14,925.00 | $14,925.00 | $14,925.00 | $14,925.00 | $14,925.00 | $14,925.00 |
| O-5 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 |
| O-4 | $10,125.00 | $10,125.00 | $10,125.00 | $10,125.00 | $10,125.00 | $10,125.00 | $10,125.00 |
| O-3 | $8,674.50 | $8,674.50 | $8,674.50 | $8,674.50 | $8,674.50 | $8,674.50 | $8,674.50 |
| O-2 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 | $6,375.30 |
| O-1 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 | $5,031.30 |
| O-3E | $9,257.70 | $9,257.70 | $9,257.70 | $9,257.70 | $9,257.70 | $9,257.70 | $9,257.70 |
| O-2E | $7,383.00 | $7,383.00 | $7,383.00 | $7,383.00 | $7,383.00 | $7,383.00 | $7,383.00 |
| O-1E | $6,247.20 | $6,247.20 | $6,247.20 | $6,247.20 | $6,247.20 | $6,247.20 | $6,247.20 |
| W-5 | $11,074.20 | $11,628.90 | $11,628.90 | $12,209.40 | $12,209.40 | $12,821.10 | $12,821.10 |
| W-4 | $10,062.90 | $10,263.60 | $10,263.60 | $10,263.60 | $10,263.60 | $10,263.60 | $10,263.60 |
| W-3 | $8,827.20 | $8,827.20 | $8,827.20 | $8,827.20 | $8,827.20 | $8,827.20 | $8,827.20 |
| W-2 | $7,431.90 | $7,431.90 | $7,431.90 | $7,431.90 | $7,431.90 | $7,431.90 | $7,431.90 |
| W-1 | $6,753.60 | $6,753.60 | $6,753.60 | $6,753.60 | $6,753.60 | $6,753.60 | $6,753.60 |
Notes:
- (Note 1) Basic pay for O-7 through O-10 is restricted by Level II of the Executive Schedule; actual figures can be updated when officially released.
- (Note 2) For O-6 and below, basic pay cannot exceed the Level V cap of the Executive Schedule.
Incentive and Specialty Pays
In addition to base pay, many service members qualify for special pays based on their duties or location. Common examples include:
- Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP): For performing dangerous tasks such as parachuting or handling explosives.
- Submarine Duty Pay (SUBPAY): Extra compensation for sailors assigned to submarine operations.
- Flight Pay: For aviation-related duties, with rates varying by rank and role.
- Career Enlisted Flyer Incentive Pay (CEFIP): Additional pay for enlisted personnel in aviation roles.
These incentives reward specialized skills and roles, ensuring service members are compensated for their expertise and risks.
Housing Allowance (BAH)
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is one of the most significant military benefits, covering a portion of your housing costs. BAH rates are determined by:
- Your rank and pay grade.
- Whether you have dependents.
- The cost of living in your assigned duty location.
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Other Types of Military Compensation
Beyond base pay and allowances, the military offers numerous benefits that enhance total compensation:
Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
- Cost of Living Allowance provided to service members stationed in high-cost areas domestically and abroad.
- Helps offset the higher costs of goods and services.
Family Separation Allowance (FSA)
- The 2026 Family Separation Allowance is $250/month for service members separated from their dependents for more than 30 days due to duty assignments.
Retirement Pay
- Based on the average of your highest 36 months of basic pay.
- Includes annual cost-of-living adjustments to maintain purchasing power.
Residual Income
- Though not direct pay, residual income plays a critical role in VA loan eligibility.
- It represents the amount of discretionary income left after monthly expenses, ensuring military families can afford their living costs and housing payments.
Check 2026 residual income chart
Education Benefits
- Programs like the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance allow service members to pursue higher education with significant financial support.
Planning for Promotions and Career Growth
Understanding how pay changes with rank and service length is crucial for financial planning. Here’s what you can do:
- Set Goals for Advancement: Achieving promotions not only boosts pay but also opens doors to additional responsibilities and benefits.
- Leverage Incentive Pays: Pursue specialized roles like aviation or hazardous duty assignments to maximize earnings.
- Consider Retirement Options: Plan for long-term financial security with military retirement benefits.
References:
https://www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/payentitlements/Pay-Tables/
https://www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/payentitlements/Pay-Tables/Basic-Pay/EM/
