Calculate military basic pay based on rank and years of service
💰 Military Pay Calculator
Your Military Pay Calculation
📊 2025 Military Pay Tables
Enlisted Pay Scale (Effective April 1, 2025)
| Pay Grade | <2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,319 | $2,319 | $2,319 | $2,319 | $2,319 | $2,319 | $2,319 | $2,319 | $2,319 | $2,319 | $2,319 | $2,319 | $2,319 | $2,319 | $2,319 |
| E-2 | $2,599 | $2,599 | $2,599 | $2,599 | $2,599 | $2,599 | $2,599 | $2,599 | $2,599 | $2,599 | $2,599 | $2,599 | $2,599 | $2,599 | $2,599 |
| E-3 | $2,733 | $2,905 | $3,081 | $3,081 | $3,081 | $3,081 | $3,081 | $3,081 | $3,081 | $3,081 | $3,081 | $3,081 | $3,081 | $3,081 | $3,081 |
| E-4 | $3,027 | $3,182 | $3,355 | $3,525 | $3,676 | $3,676 | $3,676 | $3,676 | $3,676 | $3,676 | $3,676 | $3,676 | $3,676 | $3,676 | $3,676 |
| E-5 | $3,221 | $3,467 | $3,638 | $3,802 | $3,959 | $4,142 | $4,235 | $4,260 | $4,260 | $4,260 | $4,260 | $4,260 | $4,260 | $4,260 | $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 | $5,075 | $5,075 | $5,075 | $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 |
| E-8 | — | — | — | — | — | $5,450 | $5,691 | $5,840 | $6,019 | $6,212 | $6,562 | $6,739 | $7,041 | $7,208 | $7,619 |
| E-9 | — | — | — | — | — | — | $6,657 | $6,808 | $6,998 | $7,222 | $7,448 | $7,808 | $8,115 | $8,436 | $8,929 |
Note: E-1 with less than 4 months active duty: $2,144.10. Senior enlisted positions (SMA, MCPON, etc.): $10,758.00
Warrant Officer Pay Scale (Effective January 1, 2025)
| Pay Grade | <2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-1 | $3,908 | $4,329 | $4,442 | $4,681 | $4,964 | $5,380 | $5,574 | $5,847 | $6,114 | $6,325 | $6,518 | $6,754 | $6,754 | $6,754 | $6,754 |
| W-2 | $4,453 | $4,874 | $5,003 | $5,093 | $5,381 | $5,830 | $6,053 | $6,271 | $6,539 | $6,749 | $6,938 | $7,165 | $7,314 | $7,432 | $7,432 |
| W-3 | $5,032 | $5,241 | $5,457 | $5,527 | $5,752 | $6,196 | $6,658 | $6,875 | $7,127 | $7,385 | $7,852 | $8,166 | $8,354 | $8,555 | $8,827 |
| W-4 | $5,510 | $5,927 | $6,097 | $6,264 | $6,553 | $6,838 | $7,127 | $7,561 | $7,942 | $8,304 | $8,602 | $8,891 | $9,316 | $9,665 | $10,063 |
| W-5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | $9,797 | $10,295 | $10,665 | $11,074 |
Commissioned Officer Pay Scale (Effective January 1, 2025)
| Pay Grade | <2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-1 | $3,998 | $4,162 | $5,031 | $5,031 | $5,031 | $5,031 | $5,031 | $5,031 | $5,031 | $5,031 | $5,031 | $5,031 | $5,031 | $5,031 | $5,031 |
| O-2 | $4,607 | $5,247 | $6,043 | $6,247 | $6,375 | $6,375 | $6,375 | $6,375 | $6,375 | $6,375 | $6,375 | $6,375 | $6,375 | $6,375 | $6,375 |
| O-3 | $5,332 | $6,044 | $6,523 | $7,112 | $7,454 | $7,828 | $8,069 | $8,467 | $8,675 | $8,675 | $8,675 | $8,675 | $8,675 | $8,675 | $8,675 |
| O-4 | $6,064 | $7,020 | $7,489 | $7,592 | $8,027 | $8,494 | $9,075 | $9,526 | $9,841 | $10,021 | $10,125 | $10,125 | $10,125 | $10,125 | $10,125 |
| O-5 | $7,028 | $7,917 | $8,465 | $8,569 | $8,911 | $9,115 | $9,565 | $9,896 | $10,323 | $10,974 | $11,285 | $11,592 | $11,941 | $11,941 | $11,941 |
| O-6 | $8,431 | $9,262 | $9,870 | $9,870 | $9,908 | $10,332 | $10,389 | $10,389 | $10,979 | $12,023 | $12,635 | $13,248 | $13,596 | $13,949 | $14,633 |
| O-7 | $11,118 | $11,634 | $11,873 | $12,064 | $12,407 | $12,747 | $13,140 | $13,532 | $13,925 | $15,159 | $16,202 | $16,202 | $16,202 | $16,202 | $16,286 |
| O-8 | $13,380 | $13,819 | $14,109 | $14,190 | $14,554 | $15,159 | $15,301 | $15,876 | $16,042 | $16,538 | $17,256 | $17,917 | $18,359 | $18,359 | $18,359 |
| O-9 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | $18,808 | $18,808 | $18,808 | $18,808 |
| O-10 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | $18,808 | $18,808 | $18,808 | $18,808 |
Note: O-1, O-2, O-3 rates don’t apply to officers with over 4 years prior enlisted/warrant service. Pay is capped by Executive Schedule limits.
Trying to make sense of your paycheck can feel like a puzzle. When you look at the military pay charts, you want clear answers about your earnings. You’ve come to the right place for that clarity. You’ll learn exactly how to read the latest military pay charts and understand what goes into your monthly salary.
Each year brings changes to service member compensation. The 2025 numbers are here, and they include a significant boost for many. This guide will break down the new pay rates and explain all the factors that affect your total pay.
Table of Contents:
- The 2025 Military Pay Raise Is Here
- How to Read the Military Pay Charts
- Basic Pay Is Just the Beginning
- Why Does Military Pay Change Every Year?
- How To Check Your Leave and Earning Statement (LES)
- What To Do If Your Military Pay Is Wrong
- Where to Find Past Pay Information
- Conclusion
The 2025 Military Pay Raise Is Here
Most service members received a 4.5% pay increase for 2025. This raise covers active duty members across all branches of the armed forces. This includes the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
But that’s not the whole story this year for active duty pay. Junior enlisted troops saw a much larger increase to their income. If you fall into the E-1 through E-4 pay grades with under two years of service, you will see a targeted 14.5% raise in your pay.
This larger increase reflects a new focus on improving the quality of life for junior service members. The initial 4.5% was effective January 1, with the rest of the raise for junior troops effective April 1, 2025. According to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), this change helps address recruitment and retention challenges by making entry-level military service more financially stable.
Not everyone received the same percentage pay increase, however. Some very senior officers saw smaller raises. This happens because their pay is legally capped by the federal Executive Schedule and cannot exceed certain levels.
How to Read the Military Pay Charts
At first glance, a pay chart can look like a simple grid of numbers. Your pay basic pay is determined by two main things. These are your pay grade, which is tied to your rank, and your years of service.
Pay grades are simple to follow. They start with an E- for enlisted service members, a W- for warrant officers, and an O- for commissioned officers. An E-1 is the newest enlisted recruit, while a senior enlisted member like an E-9 has decades of experience, and an O-10 is a four-star general or admiral.
The longer you serve, the more you earn based on longevity. Someone who has been in for ten years will make more than someone in the same rank with only two years of service. For example, a force active duty E-4 with two years of service makes a different monthly basic pay than an E-4 with six years of experience.
Let’s look at some specific examples from the military pay charts for the April-December 2025 pay period. An E-1 with less than two years of enlisted service will earn $2,420.70 per month in basic pay. An E-6 with over ten years of service makes $4,585.20 per month, showing how time in service impacts your earnings.
The difference is even larger for the officer enlisted pay scale. A new officer at the O-1 pay grade with under two years earns $4,185.30 monthly. A more senior officer, like an O-4 with more than ten years of military service, will earn $9,075.00 a month, highlighting how rank and experience create a path for higher income.
Members of the National Guard and Air Force Reserve are also paid based on these tables. Their drill pay is calculated as 1/30th of the monthly basic pay for their rank and years of service for each drill period they perform. This ensures pay parity across the force active duty and reserve components.
Basic Pay Is Just the Beginning
The figures you see on the main military pay charts represent your Basic Pay. This is your primary compensation and it is considered taxable income for federal tax purposes. But your total monthly paycheck is usually higher than just your monthly basic pay.
This is because you likely receive other payments called allowances, which are non-taxable. These allowances are a significant part of your overall military pay benefits. Understanding them is important for accurate financial planning.
One of the most significant military pay benefits is the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). This money helps you pay for housing when you do not live in government quarters. The amount you receive for this basic allowance varies based on your rank, location, and whether you have dependents, but is not taxable.
Another common non-taxable allowance is the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS). This subsistence allowance is provided for food costs. Officers and enlisted members receive different amounts for BAS, and it is meant to offset the cost of meals. Other allowances may be available depending on your specific circumstances, like a family separation allowance or a uniform allowance.
Special and Incentive Pay
In addition to basic pay and allowances, you may be eligible for other forms of compensation. These are known as special and incentive pays. They are used to attract and retain service members in specific fields or dangerous roles.
Hazardous duty pay, also called duty pay, is given for tasks like flight duty, parachute jumping, or handling explosives. Incentive pay is often provided to those in high-demand career fields. This includes medical professionals, linguists, and cyber warfare specialists.
These extra payments can substantially increase your take-home pay. Not all service members will qualify for them. Your eligibility depends entirely on your job, skills, and deployment status.
Valuable Military Benefits
Your total compensation package includes more than just money. The military provides comprehensive benefits that have significant value. These pay benefits help support you and your family.
Comprehensive health care through TRICARE is a major benefit, covering medical and dental needs at little to no cost. Another key benefit is life insurance. Service members are automatically enrolled in Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) for a low monthly premium.
Finally, retirement planning is supported through the Blended Retirement System (BRS). This system includes a pension component and a government-matching contribution to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Your TSP contributions can build a substantial savings plan for your future.
Why Does Military Pay Change Every Year?
Why do these numbers change on January 1st each year? The annual pay increase is meant to keep up with wage growth in the private sector. It helps make sure that military compensation remains competitive.
The exact percentage is usually tied to the Employment Cost Index (ECI). The ECI is a measure of wage growth calculated by the U.S. Department of Labor. The military uses the change in the ECI to set the next year’s annual pay raise, and the new pay automatically takes effect in January.
But this process isn’t set in stone. The President or Congress can propose a different rate. That is exactly what happened for 2025, when lawmakers decided to give a targeted raise to junior enlisted members in addition to the base percentage.
How To Check Your Leave and Earning Statement (LES)
Knowing the pay chart tables basic information is great for planning. But how can you check that your actual pay is correct each month? You’ll need to look at your Leave and Earning Statement, better known as the LES.
Your LES is your military pay stub, provided by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. It breaks down everything for you, showing entitlements like your pay basic and allowances. It also lists all deductions, such as taxes, insurance, and allotments you have set up.
You can see other key information on your LES, such as your leave balance and contributions to your Thrift Savings Plan. You can view your current and past LES documents by logging into the myPay system online. In the settings, you may find a checkbox label label to opt-in for notifications when your statement is ready.
It is a good habit to review your LES every pay period. A military pay calculator can be a useful tool for estimating your pay, but your LES provides the official record. Make sure you understand every line item and question any discrepancies.
What To Do If Your Military Pay Is Wrong
Mistakes can happen. If you’ve been checking your LES and notice a problem you don’t understand, act fast. The first step is always to contact your unit’s payroll or finance office.
They can help you figure out what happened and fix the issue. The teams at an Air Force/Space Force or Marine Corps finance office are there to assist you. Keep records of your conversations and any documents you submit.
If you need more help or don’t know who to contact, there are phone numbers available. Keep these numbers handy in case you need them.
- Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force Active or Reserve: Call 1-888-332-7411.
- Retirees, Survivors, or Beneficiaries: Call 1-800-321-1080.
- Coast Guard Active Duty or Reservists: Contact your unit’s administrative yeoman.
- Coast Guard Retirees: Call the Pay & Personnel Center at 1-866-772-8724.
Having a question about your pay is a common experience. Using these resources will help you get answers quickly. Don’t wait if you think something is wrong.
Where to Find Past Pay Information
Are you curious about what military pay looked like in the past? Looking at old charts can be helpful for financial comparisons or historical research. This information is available to the public and can offer interesting insights.
You can often find prior pay charts going back several decades. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service, for example, maintains archives of compensation data on their website. Their privacy policy outlines how data is managed and protected.
Seeing the historical military pay charts really shows how compensation has evolved over the years. These older documents show the progression of pay for each rank and service length. It highlights the military’s ongoing effort to provide competitive compensation for the armed forces.
Conclusion
Understanding military compensation is a vital part of your financial health. With the new 2025 rates, especially the big boost for junior troops, it’s a great time to review your budget. Remember that your total pay is more than what you see on the basic pay rates grid.
The various factors that affect pay include your allowances, special duty pay, and benefits like health care and the thrift savings plan. These components together form your complete compensation package. Being aware of all of them helps you make informed financial decisions.
Always check your Leave and Earning Statement to make sure your pay is accurate. Using the official military pay charts gives you the power to plan your finances with confidence. It allows you and your family to prepare for a successful financial future during and after your service.