How much does the military pay in 2026?
Active-duty base pay for 2026 ranges from $2,464/month at E-1 (over 4 months of service) to $20,166/month at O-9. On top of base pay, every service member receives BAS ($465.77 enlisted, $320.78 officer) and most receive BAH based on duty station ZIP. Total compensation including allowances and the tax-free advantage is typically 30–45% higher than the gross base pay figure.
What is the 2026 military pay raise?
3.8% across-the-board base pay increase effective January 1, 2026, per NDAA FY26 and the Employment Cost Index formula in 37 USC 1009. Junior enlisted (E-1 through E-4) continue to receive the additional targeted increases enacted in NDAA FY24 carried forward in subsequent NDAAs.
Is BAH taxed?
No. Basic Allowance for Housing is non-taxable under 26 USC 134 (qualified military benefits). Same for BAS, family separation allowance, hostile fire pay during a CZTE month, and most travel allowances. Only base pay, bonuses, and a few special pays are taxed.
What is the Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE)?
Per 26 USC 112 and IRS Publication 3, every dollar of military pay earned while serving in a designated combat zone is excluded from federal income tax. Enlisted pay is fully excluded; officer pay is excluded up to the maximum monthly enlisted basic pay (about $10,490/month in 2026) plus HFP/IDP. Spending even one qualifying day in the combat zone shields that entire month.
How does the BRS TSP match work?
Blended Retirement System service members receive a 1% automatic agency contribution from the first day of service plus matching on member contributions: dollar-for-dollar on the first 3%, then $0.50 per dollar on the next 2%. To get the full 5% match, contribute at least 5%. Vesting on the agency 1% takes 2 years; the match vests immediately. Reference: DoD FMR 7A, Chapter 18 and TSP.gov.
What is the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)?
CONUS COLA is paid in roughly 21 high-cost continental US areas (San Francisco, Boston, NYC metro, etc.) and ranges from $40 to $120/month per member with dependents per DTMO. OCONUS COLA is paid to service members stationed overseas based on the local-cost-of-living index and exchange rates. Both COLAs are tax-free.
When does base pay go up with years of service?
At specific YOS gates published in 37 USC 1009 and the DFAS pay tables — 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, and 40 years. Pay rates do not change between gates, so a Soldier with 5 years 11 months earns the same as one with 4 years 1 month.
Is military pay taxable in my state?
Depends on your state of legal residence (SLR), not your duty station. Florida, Texas, Washington, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wyoming, New Hampshire, and Alaska impose no state income tax. Many other states partially or fully exempt active-duty pay, military retirement, or both. Set your SLR thoughtfully — under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, your SLR controls.
Does deployment increase my pay?
Yes — typically by $700–$1,200/month. Sources: Hostile Fire / Imminent Danger Pay ($225/mo), Family Separation Allowance ($250/mo if dependents back home), Hardship Duty Pay (location-based, $50–$150/mo), and the indirect benefit of CZTE shielding all that month's federal tax. Net deployed take-home for an O-3 in CENTCOM typically nets ~$2,500/mo more than the same month at home station.
How is BAH calculated for dual-military couples?
Each member can elect either the with-dependents rate (one spouse claims dependents; the other receives the without-dependents rate) or both elect without-dependents. The combined total is typically maximized by having the senior member claim dependents — DFAS rules in JTR 050202.
What is the difference between gross pay and total compensation?
Gross pay is what shows in entitlements on your LES. Total compensation also accounts for the tax-free value of BAH, BAS, and other allowances — typically a 22–28% tax-equivalent advantage depending on your bracket and state. Civilian-equivalent total comp is gross pay × (allowance share × 1.3) + (base × 1.0).
When does a re-enlistment bonus get paid?
Selective Reenlistment Bonuses are paid as a lump sum of 50% at re-enlistment with the remainder spread in equal annual installments over the term of the new contract (DoD FMR 7A Ch 9). Bonuses are taxable income for the year paid unless earned in a CZTE month — re-enlisting in-theater can shield the full bonus from federal tax.
How do I read my LES?
See our LES Breakdown guide — every entitlement, deduction, and allotment line explained, plus the most common errors (BAH lag, BAS double-pay during PCS, missing FSA) that signal a call to the finance office.
Do warrant officers get the same pay as commissioned officers?
No. Warrant officer pay (W-1 through W-5) uses a separate column in the DFAS pay table. CW3 over 14 YOS earns ~$7,485/mo base in 2026, comparable to an O-4 over 6 years. WOs typically earn more than commissioned counterparts in early years and less in late years.
How does pay differ between Active, Guard, and Reserve?
Active-duty pay is monthly. Drilling Guard/Reserve are paid by drill: one drill = 1/30th of monthly base pay (4 drills per UTA weekend = 4/30ths of monthly base, plus drill BAH at the with-dependents rate even if single during AT/IDT). Active-duty mobilization triggers full active-duty pay for the duration.