2026 Pay Raise
How much is the 2026 military pay raise?
The 2026 military pay raise is 3.8%, effective January 1, 2026. This applies to all active duty and reserve members across all pay grades (E-1 through O-10 and warrant officers). It is the largest percentage increase since 2002.
How does the 3.8% raise affect my paycheck?
Multiply your 2025 base pay by 1.038 to get your 2026 base pay. For example, an E-5 with 4 years who earned $2,745/mo in 2025 now earns approximately $2,849/mo — an extra $104/month or $1,248/year before taxes.
What is the 'Warrior Dividend' for junior enlisted?
The FY2026 NDAA included targeted pay increases for E-1 through E-4 on top of the baseline 3.8% raise, specifically designed to reduce the gap between military and civilian entry-level wages. E-1 pay has increased over 14% since 2023.
Did BAH also increase in 2026?
Yes. BAH rates increased by an average of 4.2% in 2026, varying by duty station. High-cost markets like San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington DC saw increases above the national average. Use our BAH calculator above to see your specific rate.
Basic Pay by Rank
How much does an E-1 make in 2026?
An E-1 (Private/Seaman Recruit) earns $1,833.30/month in basic pay in 2026 after the Warrior Dividend increase. This does not include BAH or BAS, which are tax-free and can add $800–$3,000+ per month depending on duty station.
How much does an E-4 make in 2026?
An E-4 (Specialist/Corporal/Petty Officer 3rd Class) earns $2,393.40/month with under 2 years of service in 2026. With 4 years of service this increases to $2,604.30/month.
How much does an E-5 make in 2026?
An E-5 (Sergeant/Petty Officer 2nd Class) earns $2,849.40/month basic pay at under-4-year mark in 2026. With BAH (varies by duty station) and BAS ($473/mo tax-free), total compensation typically ranges from $4,500 to $7,500/month depending on location.
How much does an E-6 make with 10 years in 2026?
An E-6 (Staff Sergeant/Petty Officer 1st Class) with 10 years of service earns $3,627.90/month in basic pay in 2026. Add BAH and BAS and total monthly compensation can reach $6,500–$9,000 depending on duty station and dependent status.
How much does an O-3 (Captain/Lieutenant) make in 2026?
An O-3 with 4 years of service earns $5,637.90/month in basic pay in 2026. With BAH (officer rates are higher) and BAS ($326/mo), an O-3 in a major metro area can earn over $9,000/month total compensation.
BAH — Housing Allowance
What is BAH and who gets it?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly tax-free allowance paid to service members who do not live in government quarters. It is based on pay grade, dependency status (with or without dependents), and the median rental cost at your duty station.
How much is BAH in 2026?
BAH varies widely by duty station. Examples with dependents: Fort Bragg (E-5): ~$1,680/mo; San Diego (E-5): ~$3,312/mo; Washington DC (E-5): ~$2,988/mo; Fort Campbell (E-5): ~$1,452/mo. Use the calculator to select your exact duty station.
Is BAH taxable income?
No. BAH is completely tax-free — no federal income tax, no Social Security tax, no Medicare tax. This significantly increases the effective value of BAH compared to taxable civilian income of the same dollar amount.
Do reserve members get BAH?
Reserve members only receive BAH when on active duty orders of more than 30 days. During weekend drills, reservists do not receive BAH unless they are required to stay overnight far from home, in which case they may receive BAH at a reduced "Type II" rate.
Reserve & Guard Pay
How is reserve drill pay calculated in 2026?
Each Drill Period equals 1/30th of active duty monthly base pay. A typical weekend IDT (Inactive Duty Training) consists of 4 drill periods (2 per day). So a weekend drill pays 4/30ths of monthly base pay. For an E-5 that is approximately $380 per weekend drill.
How much does a reservist make per year in 2026?
A typical Army Reserve E-5 with 4 years performs 48 drills/year (24 weekends) + 15 days of Annual Training. That equals approximately $1,519 in drill pay + $1,425 in AT pay = roughly $2,944/year part-time. Use our Reserve calculator tab for exact numbers.
Do reservists get BAS during drill?
Reservists generally do not receive BAS during IDT (weekend drills) if meals are provided by the unit. During Annual Training on active duty orders they receive full BAS. Policies may vary by unit and MILPAY regulations.
DFAS & Pay Dates
What are the DFAS military pay dates in 2026?
Active duty members are paid on the 1st and 15th of each month. When those dates fall on a weekend or federal holiday, pay is deposited the preceding business day. Reserve pay is typically deposited within 2–5 business days after the end of a drill or AT period.
How do I read my LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)?
Your LES shows: ENTITLEMENTS (base pay, BAH, BAS, special pays), DEDUCTIONS (federal tax, FICA, SGLI), ALLOTMENTS (savings, charity, etc.), and NET PAY. Log into myPay at mypay.dfas.mil to download your current and past LES statements.
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