Military Pay Calculator

Calculate total military compensation including base pay, BAH, and BAS by rank and years of service.

Dependents

Total Monthly Pay

$6,008.00

Annual Compensation

$72,096.00

Tax-Free (Monthly)

$2,377.00

BAH + BAS

Pay Breakdown

Base Pay$3,631.00/mo
BAH (Housing)$1,900.00/mo
BAS (Subsistence — Enlisted)$477.00/mo
Total Monthly$6,008.00
Total Annual$72,096.00
Tax-Free Portion (Annual)$28,524.00

Use the Military Pay Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Our Military Pay Calculator helps you estimate your total military compensation for 2026, combining base pay, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS). Understanding your full financial picture is crucial for budgeting, financial planning, and making informed career decisions within the military. This calculator provides a clear breakdown of your expected earnings based on your rank and years of service.

The calculator utilizes official 2026 military pay charts for base pay, which are typically updated by the Department of Defense annually. BAH is calculated based on your duty station's zip code and dependency status, referencing 2026 BAH rates published by the DoD. BAS is a flat monthly rate for all enlisted members and officers, with the 2026 rate projected to be around $480.29 for enlisted and $334.39 for officers.

Remember that BAH is location-dependent and can fluctuate significantly based on your duty station. This calculator provides an estimate; actual pay may vary slightly due to specific allowances, deductions, or changes in official rates. Always double-check your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) for official figures and consult with a financial advisor for personalized guidance.

Example: E-5 with 6 Years of Service, Married, in San Diego, CA

  1. 1 Input: Rank: E-5, Years of Service: 6, Dependency Status: Married, Duty Station Zip Code: 92101 (San Diego, CA).
  2. 2 Calculation: Base Pay (E-5, 6 years, 2026) = $3,744.90/month. BAH (92101, Married, 2026) = $3,168.00/month. BAS (Enlisted, 2026) = $480.29/month.
  3. 3 Result: Total Estimated Monthly Compensation = $3,744.90 (Base Pay) + $3,168.00 (BAH) + $480.29 (BAS) = $7,393.19.
  4. 4 Context: This E-5 in San Diego, CA, receives a significant portion of their total compensation from BAH due to the high cost of living in that area. This example highlights how location and dependency status play a crucial role in overall military pay.

Source: DFAS · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How is military base pay determined?
Base pay depends on rank (pay grade E-1 through O-10) and years of service. Pay increases with time in service up to certain caps. A typical E-5 with 6 years earns approximately $3,700-3,900/month in base pay.
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) covers housing costs based on your duty station, pay grade, and dependency status. It varies significantly by location, ranging from $800-1,000/month in low-cost areas to $3,000-4,500/month in expensive markets.
Is military pay tax-free?
Base pay and most allowances are subject to federal tax. However, BAH and BAS are tax-free. Combat zone pay is entirely tax-free. State tax treatment varies; some states (like Texas and Florida) have no income tax, and others exempt military pay.