What Is My Military Base Pay?
Military base pay is the primary component of a service member's compensation, set each year by Congress under the National Defense Authorization Act. It is the same regardless of branch — an E-5 Sergeant earns the same base pay as an E-5 Petty Officer Second Class. Enter your pay grade and years of service in the panel to get your exact 2025 figure instantly.
What Military Base Pay Covers
Monthly base pay is the taxable portion of military compensation paid to all active-duty service members. It does not include housing or food allowances, special pays, or incentive pays. Base pay increases with both pay grade (rank) and years of service — meaning a more senior soldier with more time in service earns more than a junior soldier at the same rank.
2025 Quick Reference — Base Pay at 4 Years of Service
| Grade | Rank Example | Monthly Base Pay | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Private | $1,917.60 | Enlisted |
| E-4 | Specialist | $2,901.60 | Enlisted |
| E-7 | Sergeant First Class | $4,040.70 | Enlisted |
| W-2 | Chief Warrant Officer 2 | $4,732.50 | Warrant Officer |
| O-3 | Captain | $6,380.70 | Officer |
| O-6 | Colonel | $9,861.30 | Officer |
Note: Values shown are at 4 years of service. For the complete pay table across all grades and years of service, see the full military pay chart.
What Is BAH?
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a separate, non-taxable monthly payment that covers housing costs. Unlike base pay, BAH varies by your duty station ZIP code and whether you have dependents. It is not included in the base pay figure shown by the AI above. Use the official DoD BAH calculator at militarypay.defense.gov for your specific rate.
What Is BAS?
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) covers food costs and is a flat monthly rate — $460.25 for enlisted members and $316.98 for officers in 2025. BAS does not vary by location or years of service. It is separate from base pay and is not taxable.
How Base Pay Increases Over Time
Base pay increases automatically with years of service at defined step points: under 2 years, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 6 years, 8 years, 10 years, 12 years, 14 years, 16 years, 18 years, 20 years, 22 years, 24 years, and 26 or more years. Each promotion to a higher pay grade also increases base pay. See the full breakdown across all grades and service steps in the 2025 Military Pay Chart.
View the Full 2025 Military Pay Chart →
Frequently Asked Questions
How is military base pay determined?
Military base pay is determined by two factors: pay grade (rank) and years of service. Congress sets the rates annually under the National Defense Authorization Act, and the same table applies to all branches of the military.
Does base pay differ by branch?
No. Base pay is the same for all branches of the US military at the same pay grade and years of service. An Army Sergeant (E-5) and a Navy Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) with the same years of service receive identical base pay.
Is military base pay taxable?
Yes. Monthly base pay is subject to federal and state income tax. However, pay earned during a designated combat zone month is fully exempt from federal income tax under the Combat Zone Tax Exclusion.
What is the difference between base pay and total military compensation?
Base pay is the taxable monthly pay set by grade and years of service. Total military compensation also includes BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing, which varies by location), BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence, a flat food allowance), and any applicable special or incentive pays. Veterans with service-connected conditions may also receive tax-free VA disability compensation on top of retirement pay — look up 2025 rates on the VA Disability Pay Chart.