Military Pay Chart: What It Is and Pay Rates in 2025

Turbo Takeaways

Whether you're thinking of joining the military or just want to understand how your salary might grow over time, military pay charts are a valuable tool.

Unlike civilian jobs, military compensation includes not just basic pay, but also housing allowances and subsistence benefits. A military pay chart helps you estimate your total earnings based on your pay grade and years of service.

What Is a Military Pay Chart?

A military pay chart outlines the basic pay amounts for each rank and grade, depending on years of service. Active-duty pay includes base salary, basic allowance for housing (BAH), basic allowance for subsistence (BAS), and sometimes special duty pay. Certain roles, locations, or conditions can qualify service members for extra incentives or bonuses.

How is Military Pay Calculated?

The military pay scale is based on several factors, including your pay grade, years of service, duties, and location. In addition to basic pay, you may receive allowances for cost of living, housing, and subsistence, especially if you're stationed in high-cost areas. For many service members, these allowances can be a major portion of their pay.

Military pay raises are tied to the Employment Cost Index (ECI). The military uses the ECI year-over-year changes to determine the pay raise percentage for the next year.

In 2025, service members will receive a 4.5% pay increase to keep up with inflation and rising living expenses. These raises are automatic each January and reflected in the first paycheck of the year.

Your Leave and Earning Statement (LES) breaks down your deductions, allotments, entitlements, tax withholding, Thrift Savings Plan, and leaves. You can view your LES by logging in to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) myPay portal.

2025 Military Pay Chart

You’ll find the most up-to-date information about military pay and benefits on the Department of Defense’s Military Compensation website, including the full 2025 military pay charts.

2025 Active Duty Pay Chart

Below is a sample active duty pay chart for 2025, showing enlisted and officer base monthly pay based on years of service. For the full chart, visit the Military Compensation website.

Sample Active-Duty Enlisted Pay Chart 2025

Years in Service

Sample Active-Duty Officer Pay Chart 2025

Years in Service

2025 Drill Pay Charts

Here's a sample 2025 drill pay chart for National Guard and U.S. Military Reserve members. Drill pay applies to those performing inactive-duty training, with each drill period lasting four hours. For full tables and updates, visit the Military Compensation Drill Pay website.

Sample Reserve Pay for 1 Drill Pay Chart 2025 (Enlisted)

Years in Service

Sample Reserve Pay for 1 Drill Pay Chart 2025 (Officers)

Years in Service

2025 Pay Increase

The 2025 military pay increase is also 4.5%, matching the largest raise in over 20 years. This applies to all active members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. The military pay charts in this guide reflect the new 2025 base pay rates.

Factors That Impact Military Pay 

Military pay consists of base pay, allowances, and bonuses, and it's typically the largest part of a service member’s compensation. Your base pay depends on your rank (pay grade) and how many years you’ve served.

Many members also receive special pay based on their duties, qualifications, or location. These are often tax-free and can significantly increase your total income. Common types of special and incentive pay include:

• Hardship Duty Pay (HDP): For service in overseas locations where living conditions are difficult.
• Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP):  For those performing risky roles like diving, parachuting, or demolitions.
• Assignment Incentive Pay(AIP): For extended or demanding assignments, often in combat zones.
• Imminent Danger Pay / Hostile Fire Pay (HFP): For members stationed in active conflict regions.

In addition, most members receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) if living off base, which helps cover rent in local housing markets.

You may also qualify for enlistment bonuses, such as:

• Up to $50,000 for active-duty enlistment
• A $15,000 quick ship bonus
• Up to $47,500 for specific job specialties

Because most allowances and bonuses are non-taxable, they can represent a significant portion of your take-home pay.

Keep Up With Changes in Pay With the Military Pay Chart

Military pay charts are the easiest way to stay updated on yearly changes to your salary. Each January, the Department of Defense publishes new pay tables based on cost-of-living adjustments. To get the most accurate information, visit the official Military Compensation website or check your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) through DFAS.

If you're thinking of joining the military, it's also worth exploring the enlistment bonuses and allowances available to new recruits. These incentives can add thousands of dollars to your first-year earnings.

Interested in what E-4 pay looks like in 2025? Read our guide on E4 base pay for more details.

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