Military Pay Structure
Military compensation includes base pay plus allowances and special pays. Base pay depends on pay grade (rank) and years of service. The military uses a standardized pay table that applies across all branches.
2025 Pay Raise
Military pay typically increases annually based on the Employment Cost Index. Congress authorizes the specific percentage each year through the National Defense Authorization Act. Recent years have seen raises between 2-5%.
Reading the Pay Table
Pay tables list monthly base pay by pay grade (E-1 through E-9 for enlisted, O-1 through O-10 for officers) and years of service. Longevity increases occur at specific service milestones. Maximum longevity is typically reached around 26-30 years.
Special and Incentive Pays
Various special pays supplement base pay for specific duties. Flight pay compensates aviators. Hazardous duty pay covers dangerous assignments. Foreign language proficiency pay rewards critical language skills. These vary by qualification and assignment.
Total Compensation
Compare military pay to civilian jobs by calculating total compensation. Add base pay, BAH, BAS, and applicable special pays. Factor in tax advantages of allowances. Include benefits like healthcare and retirement contributions.
Using Pay Calculators
Military pay calculators help estimate total compensation. Input your pay grade, years of service, location, and dependent status. These tools show how allowances combine with base pay for your specific situation.
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