How Much Does The US Military Pay Servicemembers?

Joining the U.S. military offers more than just the honor of serving your country. It also provides a stable and rewarding financial future. If you've been wondering, "How much does the military pay?" you're not alone. Many potential recruits like yourself are eager to understand the financial benefits that come with military service.

In this blog post, we'll take an in-depth look at the various aspects of military pay, from base salaries to bonuses and allowances. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of what you can expect to earn as a servicemember in the U.S. military and you will definitely be able to answer the question, how much does the military pay?

Understanding Base Pay

Base pay is the fundamental salary that every servicemember receives. This is determined by rank and years of service. For example, as of 2022, an entry-level E-1 rank (Private in the U.S. Army) earns approximately $1,785 per month. The amount increases as you move up the ranks and gain more experience.

A significant benefit of military pay is that it is consistent and dependable. Unlike civilian jobs, where pay can fluctuate due to economic conditions, military base pay remains steady. Additionally, servicemembers receive pay raises based on both their time in service and promotions in rank.

For potential recruits, understanding base pay is crucial. It provides a clear picture of what you can expect to earn at the start of your military career and how your earnings can grow over time.

In this blog post below, we’ve provided a pay table that show the salary pay rates for enlisted, warrant and commissioned officers in 2024. It is important to note that regardless of branch of service, every paygrade gets paid the same. In other words, an E-4 in the Air Force gets paid the same base salary based upon his or her time in service and rank as his or her E-4 counterpart in the Navy. One might make more money than the other because of special pay, bonuses, or location of duty assignment, but the basic pay grades are the same across all branches of service.

Enlisted Pay Tables

Cumulative Years of Service (Note 1)
Pay Grade	2 or less	Over 2	Over 3	Over 4	Over 6	Over 8	Over 10
E-9 (Notes 2 & 3)							6,370.50
E-8						5,214.90	5,445.60
E-7	3,624.90	3,956.40	4,108.20	4,308.30	4,465.50	4,734.60	4,886.40
E-6	3,135.60	3,450.60	3,603.00	3,750.90	3,904.80	4,252.50	4,387.80
E-5	2,872.20	3,065.70	3,214.20	3,365.70	3,601.80	3,848.70	4,052.10
E-4	2,633.70	2,768.40	2,918.40	3,066.30	3,197.40	3,197.40	3,197.40
E-3	2,377.50	2,526.90	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20
E-2	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10
E-1 (Notes 4 & 5)	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20

Cumulative Years of Service (Note 1)
Pay Grade	Over 12	Over 14	Over 16	Over 18	Over 20	Over 22	Over 24
E-9 (Notes 2 & 3)	6,514.80	6,696.60	6,910.50	7,127.10	7,472.10	7,765.20	8,072.70
E-8	5,588.40	5,759.40	5,944.50	6,279.30	6,449.10	6,737.40	6,897.30
E-7	5,155.20	5,379.30	5,532.30	5,694.90	5,757.90	5,969.70	6,083.10
E-6	4,649.70	4,729.80	4,788.00	4,856.40	4,856.40	4,856.40	4,856.40
E-5	4,076.40	4,076.40	4,076.40	4,076.40	4,076.40	4,076.40	4,076.40
E-4	3,197.40	3,197.40	3,197.40	3,197.40	3,197.40	3,197.40	3,197.40
E-3	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20
E-2	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10
E-1 (Notes 4 & 5)	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20

Cumulative Years of Service (Note 1)
Pay Grade	Over 26	Over 28	Over 30	Over 32	Over 34	Over 36	Over 38	Over 40
E-9 (Notes 2 & 3)	8,544.00	8,544.00	8,970.30	8,970.30	9,419.40	9,419.40	9,891.30	9,891.30
E-8	7,291.20	7,291.20	7,437.30	7,437.30	7,437.30	7,437.30	7,437.30	7,437.30
E-7	6,515.70	6,515.70	6,515.70	6,515.70	6,515.70	6,515.70	6,515.70	6,515.70
E-6	4,856.40	4,856.40	4,856.40	4,856.40	4,856.40	4,856.40	4,856.40	4,856.40
E-5	4,076.40	4,076.40	4,076.40	4,076.40	4,076.40	4,076.40	4,076.40	4,076.40
E-4	3,197.40	3,197.40	3,197.40	3,197.40	3,197.40	3,197.40	3,197.40	3,197.40
E-3	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20	2,680.20
E-2	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10	2,261.10
E-1 (Notes 4 & 5)	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20	2,017.20

NOTES:

For rank titles, see Volume 7A Comparable Grades.
Basic pay for senior enlisted member (grade E-9) is $10,294.80 regardless of years of service while serving as:
1. Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff;
2. Sergeant Major of the Army;
3. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy;
4. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force;
5. Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps;
6. Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force;
7. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard; or
8. Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
If a member is placed on terminal leave pending retirement immediately following the completion of service as the senior enlisted member of a Military Department, the member is entitled to the higher senior enlisted pay $10,294.80 up to a maximum of 60 days. If a member is hospitalized, and during or immediately before such hospitalization, completed service as the senior enlisted member of that Military Department’s Armed Force, the member will continue to be entitled, for not more than 180 days while so hospitalized, to the rate of basic pay authorized for a senior enlisted member.
Must have 4 months of active duty or more.
Basic pay for an E-1 with less than 4 months of active duty is $1,865.10.

Warrant Officer Pay Tables

Cumulative Years of Service(Note)
Pay Grade	2 or less	Over 2	Over 3	Over 4	Over 6	Over 8	Over 10
W-5
W-4	5,273.10	5,671.50	5,834.40	5,994.60	6,270.60	6,543.60	6,820.20
W-3	4,815.60	5,015.70	5,222.10	5,289.00	5,504.40	5,928.90	6,370.80
W-2	4,260.90	4,663.80	4,787.70	4,873.20	5,149.20	5,578.50	5,791.80
W-1	3,739.80	4,143.00	4,250.70	4,479.60	4,749.90	5,148.30	5,334.30

Cumulative Years of Service(Note)
Pay Grade	Over 12	Over 14	Over 16	Over 18	Over 20	Over 22	Over 24	Over 26
W-5					9,375.60	9,851.10	10,205.70	10,597.20
W-4	7,235.40	7,599.90	7,946.70	8,231.10	8,508.30	8,914.50	9,248.70	9,629.70
W-3	6,579.00	6,819.90	7,067.40	7,513.80	7,814.70	7,994.70	8,186.10	8,447.10
W-2	6,001.20	6,257.40	6,457.80	6,639.00	6,856.20	6,998.70	7,111.80	7,111.80
W-1	5,595.30	5,850.90	6,052.20	6,237.60	6,462.90	6,462.90	6,462.90	6,462.90

Cumulative Years of Service(Note)
Pay Grade	Over 28	Over 30	Over 32	Over 34	Over 36	Over 38	Over 40
W-5	10,597.20	11,128.20	11,128.20	11,683.50	11,683.50	12,269.10	12,269.10
W-4	9,629.70	9,821.70	9,821.70	9,821.70	9,821.70	9,821.70	9,821.70
W-3	8,447.10	8,447.10	8,447.10	8,447.10	8,447.10	8,447.10	8,447.10
W-2	7,111.80	7,111.80	7,111.80	7,111.80	7,111.80	7,111.80	7,111.80
W-1	6,462.90	6,462.90	6,462.90	6,462.90	6,462.90	6,462.90	6,462.90

Commissioned Officer Pay Tables

umulative Years of Service (Notes 1, 2 & 3)
Pay Grade	2 or less	Over 2	Over 3	Over 4	Over 6	Over 8	Over 10
O-10 (Note 4)
O-9 (Note 4)
O-8 (Note 4)	12,803.70	13,223.70	13,501.80	13,579.20	13,926.90	14,506.50	14,641.80
O-7 (Note 4)	10,638.90	11,133.00	11,361.90	11,544.00	11,872.80	12,198.30	12,574.20
O-6 (Note 5)	8,067.90	8,863.20	9,444.90	9,444.90	9,481.20	9,887.40	9,941.40
O-5 (Note 5)	6,725.70	7,576.50	8,100.90	8,199.60	8,527.20	8,722.50	9,153.00
O-4 (Note 5)	5,803.20	6,717.30	7,166.40	7,265.40	7,681.50	8,127.90	8,684.10
O-3 (Notes 5 & 6)	5,102.10	5,783.70	6,241.80	6,806.10	7,132.80	7,490.70	7,721.70
O-2 (Notes 5 & 6)	4,408.50	5,020.80	5,782.80	5,978.10	6,100.80	6,100.80	6,100.80
O-1 (Notes 5, 6 & 7)	3,826.20	3,982.80	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70

Cumulative Years of Service (Notes 1, 2 & 3)
Pay Grade	Over 12	Over 14	Over 16	Over 18	Over 20	Over 22	Over 24
O-10 (Note 4)					18,491.70	18,491.70	18,491.70
O-9 (Note 4)					18,096.00	18,357.30	18,491.70
O-8 (Note 4)	15,192.60	15,351.30	15,825.90	16,512.90	17,145.60	17,568.60	17,568.60
O-7 (Note 4)	12,948.90	13,325.40	14,506.50	15,504.30	15,504.30	15,504.30	15,504.30
O-6 (Note 5)	9,941.40	10,506.30	11,505.00	12,091.20	12,677.10	13,010.70	13,348.50
O-5 (Note 5)	9,469.80	9,878.10	10,501.80	10,799.10	11,093.10	11,426.70	11,426.70
O-4 (Note 5)	9,116.10	9,416.70	9,589.50	9,689.10	9,689.10	9,689.10	9,689.10
O-3 (Notes 5 & 6)	8,102.10	8,301.00	8,301.00	8,301.00	8,301.00	8,301.00	8,301.00
O-2 (Notes 5 & 6)	6,100.80	6,100.80	6,100.80	6,100.80	6,100.80	6,100.80	6,100.80
O-1 (Notes 5, 6 & 7)	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70

Cumulative Years of Service (Notes 1, 2 & 3)
Pay Grade	Over 26	Over 28	Over 30	Over 32	Over 34	Over 36	Over 38	Over 40
O-10 (Note 4)	18,491.70	18,491.70	18,491.70	18,491.70	18,491.70	18,491.70	18,491.70	18,491.70
O-9 (Note 4)	18,491.70	18,491.70	18,491.70	18,491.70	18,491.70	18,491.70	18,491.70	18,491.70
O-8 (Note 4)	17,568.60	17,568.60	18,008.40	18,008.40	18,458.10	18,458.10	18,458.10	18,458.10
O-7 (Note 4)	15,584.10	15,584.10	15,895.80	15,895.80	15,895.80	15,895.80	15,895.80	15,895.80
O-6 (Note 5)	14,002.80	14,002.80	14,282.40	14,282.40	14,282.40	14,282.40	14,282.40	14,282.40
O-5 (Note 5)	11,426.70	11,426.70	11,426.70	11,426.70	11,426.70	11,426.70	11,426.70	11,426.70
O-4(Note 5)	9,689.10	9,689.10	9,689.10	9,689.10	9,689.10	9,689.10	9,689.10	9,689.10
O-3 (Notes 5 & 6)	8,301.00	8,301.00	8,301.00	8,301.00	8,301.00	8,301.00	8,301.00	8,301.00
O-2 (Notes 5 & 6)	6,100.80	6,100.80	6,100.80	6,100.80	6,100.80	6,100.80	6,100.80	6,100.80
O-1 (Notes 5, 6 & 7)	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70	4,814.70

NOTES:

Basic pay rate for Academy Cadets/Midshipmen and ROTC members/applicants is $1,339.50.
The amount of the maximum combat zone tax exclusion in effect for a qualifying month equals the sum of the basic pay for the senior enlisted member (grade E-9) payable (Basic Pay – Enlisted, Note 3) and the amount of hostile fire or imminent danger pay ($225) actually payable to the officer for the qualifying month.
For rank titles, see Volume 7A Comparable Grades.
Basic pay is limited to the rate of basic pay for level II of the Executive Schedule in effect during calendar year 2024, which is $18,491.70 per month for officers at pay grades O-7 through O-10. This includes officers serving as:
1. Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff;
2. Chief of Staff of the Army;
3. Chief of Naval Operations;
4. Chief of Staff of the Air Force;
5. Commandant of the Marine Corps;
6. Chief of Space Operations;
7. Commandant of the Coast Guard;
8. Chief of the National Guard Bureau; or
9. Commander of a unified or specified combatant command (as defined in 10 U.S.C. 161(c)).
Basic pay for pay grades O-6 and below is limited to the rate of basic pay for Level V of the Executive Schedule during calendar year 2024, which is 15,000.00.
O-1, O-2, and O-3 rates do not apply to commissioned officers who have been credited with over 4 years (i.e., at least 4 years and 1 day) of active duty service as an enlisted member or as a warrant officer or as both an enlisted member and a warrant officer.
These rates or, when applicable, the O-1E rates in Basic Pay – Officers (O1, O2 and O3) with more than 4 years of creditable service apply during periods of active service while as a DOM student of the USUHS. Also see subparagraph 2.2.1.6

The Role of Bonuses

In addition to base pay, the military offers a variety of bonuses. These are designed to attract recruits into high-demand roles or encourage servicemembers to reenlist.

Enlistment Bonuses: Depending on your chosen field, you may be eligible for an enlistment bonus. This can range from $1,000 to $40,000, depending on the needs of the military and the specific job.

Reenlistment Bonuses: If you choose to extend your service, you might qualify for a reenlistment bonus. These bonuses can be substantial, particularly for critical roles such as cybersecurity or special forces. How much does the military pay for reenlistment bonuses is dependent on the branch of service and the military occupation.

Special Pay: Certain jobs within the military qualify for special pay. For example, if you're a pilot, submariner, or working in hazardous duty areas, you could receive additional compensation.

Understanding these bonuses can significantly impact your decision-making process when considering a military career. They offer the opportunity to boost your income considerably.

Allowances and Benefits

Military pay also includes various allowances and benefits, which are designed to help cover living expenses and improve the quality of life for servicemembers and their families. These allowances and benefits are key in determining how much does the military pay because they add significant income to a person’s salary, and some of it is not taxable.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): One of the most significant allowances, BAH helps cover housing costs. The amount you receive depends on your rank, location, and whether you have dependents.

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): BAS provides money for food. This allowance is typically around $372.71 per month for enlisted members and $256.68 for officers.

Uniform Allowance: Servicemembers receive an annual stipend to cover uniform costs. This ensures you always have the proper attire for your duties.

In addition to these allowances, the military offers comprehensive healthcare, education benefits through the GI Bill, and retirement plans. These benefits can add enormous value to your overall compensation package.

Career Progression and Pay Increases

One of the most rewarding aspects of a military career is the potential for advancement. With each promotion, your responsibilities—and your pay—increase. How much does the military pay with each promotion? Well, that number varies. Sometimes the increases are significant, and sometimes they are just a few dollars more per month, but in any case, the promotion sets a person on a path to ascend greater things and that’s always a good thing.

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs): NCOs make up the backbone of the military. Promotions to ranks like Sergeant or Staff Sergeant come with significant pay raises and additional bonuses.

Commissioned Officers: Becoming an officer requires a college degree and additional training, but it offers even higher pay scales. For example, a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant earns a base pay of $3,385.80 per month as of 2022.

Warrant Officers: Warrant Officers are technical experts in their field. Their pay ranks between NCOs and Commissioned Officers, providing a lucrative paycheck for their specialized skills.

Understanding the path of career progression and the associated pay increases can help you set long-term goals and understand the financial benefits of advancing through the ranks.

Educational Opportunities and Financial Aid

One of the most appealing benefits of military service is access to educational opportunities. The military offers several programs designed to help servicemembers and their families pursue higher education. When asking yourself, how much does the military pay, it is important to consider educational benefits. Sure, you might make as much working in a drive thru window if you’re a young person, but do those employers offer the tuition benefits of the U.S. military? And, do they give you the time off to attend school?

GI Bill: The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition and fees, provides a monthly housing allowance, and offers a stipend for books and supplies. This benefit can be used for up to 15 years after your service ends.

Tuition Assistance: Active-duty servicemembers can receive up to $4,500 per year in tuition assistance. This can be used for college courses, vocational training, and other educational pursuits.

Scholarships and Grants: Various scholarships and grants are available for servicemembers and their families. These financial aids make higher education more accessible and affordable.

Educational benefits add substantial value to military service, offering pathways to personal and professional growth that extend beyond your military career.

Healthcare and Life Insurance

Healthcare is a significant concern for many potential recruits. Fortunately, the military offers comprehensive healthcare coverage.

TRICARE: This program provides health insurance for active-duty servicemembers, retirees, and their families. TRICARE covers a wide range of medical services, ensuring you and your family have access to quality healthcare.

Dental and Vision Coverage: The military also offers dental and vision plans to help cover these essential health services.

Life Insurance: Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides low-cost life insurance coverage. This benefit ensures your loved ones are financially protected in case of a tragic event.

These healthcare and insurance benefits offer peace of mind and add significant value to the overall compensation package.

Retirement and Pension Plans

Planning for the future is a crucial part of any career decision. The military offers robust retirement and pension plans to ensure financial security after your service ends. How much does the military pay in retirement depends greatly on the rank you achieve upon reaching your retirement eligibility, the number of years in service, and the component from which you are retiring.

Blended Retirement System (BRS): The BRS combines the traditional pension plan with a 401(k)-style savings plan. Servicemembers can receive a pension after 20 years of service, plus contributions to their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Thrift Savings Plan: The TSP is a retirement savings plan similar to a civilian 401(k). The military matches contributions up to 5 percent, helping you build a substantial nest egg for retirement.

Veteran Benefits: After retirement, veterans continue to receive various benefits, including healthcare, housing assistance, and education benefits.

Knowing that you have a secure financial future can be a significant incentive for choosing a military career.

Job Security and Stability

In an uncertain job market, the military offers unmatched job security. Once enlisted, you have a guaranteed job, steady income, and the assurance of benefits.

Contractual Commitment: Military service contracts ensure you have a stable job for the duration of your enlistment. This stability is rare in the civilian job market.

Promotion and Advancement: The structured promotion system ensures that hard work and dedication are rewarded with career advancement and pay increases.

Support Services: The military provides various support services to help you succeed, including mentorship programs, career counseling, and training opportunities.

This job security and stability make the military an attractive career option for many potential recruits.

Travel and Housing Benefits

Military service often involves travel, whether it's for training, deployments, or station assignments. These opportunities come with various benefits.

Travel Opportunities: Servicemembers have the chance to travel the world, experiencing different cultures and environments. These experiences can be enriching and broaden your horizons. If seeing the world is of value to you, then asking how much does the military pay is less relevant.

Housing Benefits: In addition to BAH, the military provides housing on bases around the world. These accommodations can be a significant financial benefit, reducing living expenses.

Relocation Assistance: When you move to a new duty station, the military offers relocation assistance to help cover the costs of moving and settling into a new home.

These travel and housing benefits add unique value to military service, making it an exciting and financially rewarding career choice.

Community and Camaraderie

One of the often-overlooked benefits of military service is the sense of community and camaraderie.

Lifelong Friendships: The bonds formed during military service are strong and often last a lifetime. Shared experiences and challenges create deep connections among servicemembers.

Support Networks: The military community provides a robust support network, including family support groups, veteran organizations, and social clubs. These networks offer emotional and practical support throughout your career.

Pride and Purpose: Serving in the military gives you a sense of pride and purpose, knowing you're contributing to something greater than yourself.

The sense of community and camaraderie adds an invaluable dimension to military service, enhancing the overall experience.

Conclusion

Military service offers a wealth of financial and personal benefits. From base pay and bonuses to educational opportunities and lifelong friendships, the rewards are substantial.

If you're considering a military career, understanding these benefits can help you make an informed decision. The financial stability, job security, and unique experiences make it a compelling career choice for many potential recruits.

Ready to take the next step? Explore the opportunities available to you and see how the military can help you achieve your goals. You can visit the Defense Finance and Accounting Service for more information.

Whether you're looking for financial stability, educational opportunities, or a sense of purpose, the military has something to offer.