Use the full interactive calculator for your exact take-home
Select Space Force, enter your rank and duty station (Peterson SFB, Vandenberg SFB, Schriever SFB, etc.) for a complete 2026 pay breakdown.
Open Space Force Pay Calculator →2026 Space Force Pay Chart — All Ranks (Starting Pay)
Space Force Guardians use unique enlisted titles (Specialist 1–4, Sergeant) but the same DoD pay scales as all other branches.
| Pay Grade | Guardian Title | Base Pay/mo (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Specialist 1 (Spc1) | $1,833 |
| E-2 | Specialist 2 (Spc2) | $2,055 |
| E-3 | Specialist 3 (Spc3) | $2,161 |
| E-4 | Specialist 4 (Spc4) | $2,393 |
| E-5 | Sergeant (Sgt) | $2,849 |
| E-6 | Technical Sergeant (TSgt) | $3,109 |
| E-7 | Master Sergeant (MSgt) | $3,596 |
| E-8 | Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) | $5,167 |
| E-9 | Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt/CMSSF) | $6,355 |
| O-1 | 2nd Lieutenant (2d Lt) | $3,637 |
| O-2 | 1st Lieutenant (1st Lt) | $4,188 |
| O-3 | Captain (Capt) | $4,861 |
| O-4 | Major (Maj) | $5,700 |
| O-5 | Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) | $6,615 |
| O-6 | Colonel (Col) | $7,938 |
Space Force Pay FAQs 2026
How much do Space Force Guardians make in 2026?
Space Force Guardians use the same DoD pay scale as all other branches. An E-5 Sergeant earns $2,849/month starting in 2026. With BAH at Colorado Springs (Peterson SFB, with dependents: ~$1,920/mo) and BAS ($473/mo), total monthly compensation is typically $5,200–$5,500/month.
What is Space Operations Duty Pay?
Space Operations Duty (SpOD) pay is a special pay for Guardians in designated space operations billets. Rates vary by grade and specialty. Use our calculator and add relevant special pays to your total compensation estimate.
Does the Space Force have a reserve component?
Yes — the Space Force Reserve (USSF Reserve) and the Air National Guard Space units support Space Force missions. Reserve Guardians earn drill pay on the same 1/30th-per-drill-period formula as other branches.