Military Pay Chart 2025: What You Need to Know

American flag representing military service members

The U.S. military has implemented significant pay adjustments in 2025, impacting service members across all ranks. These changes aim to ensure competitive compensation, particularly for junior enlisted personnel, while keeping pace with inflation and cost-of-living adjustments. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the 2025 military pay chart, including key updates, allowances, and considerations for service members.

Understanding the 2025 Military Pay Raise

Two-Tiered Pay Increase

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 introduced a structured pay raise to support military personnel:

4.5% Across-the-Board Increase – All military personnel received a 4.5% pay raise effective January 1, 2025.
Additional 10% for Junior Enlisted Personnel – Service members in pay grades E-1 through E-4 received an extra 10% raise, totaling a 14.5% increase. This was implemented in two phases: an initial 4.5% in January and the remaining 10% starting in April 2025.

These adjustments aim to address financial challenges faced by lower-ranking personnel and improve overall military retention and recruitment.

Why This Pay Raise Matters

Military pay raises are generally designed to keep pace with the Employment Cost Index (ECI), ensuring that service members’ compensation remains competitive with civilian-sector wages. In recent years, lawmakers have emphasized improving junior enlisted pay due to concerns about financial stress among lower-ranking troops.

The 2025 increase represents one of the most significant in decades for junior enlisted members, bringing their wages closer to what is needed for financial stability, particularly for those supporting families.

2025 Military Pay Chart Overview

The military pay chart for 2025 reflects these increases across all pay grades, from enlisted members to commissioned officers.

Enlisted Members (E-1 to E-9) Pay Chart

Basic Pay – Enlisted Effective January 1, 2025 by Grade and Cumulative Years of Service

Pay Grade	2 or less	Over 2	Over 3	Over 4	Over 6	Over 8	Over 10	Over 12	Over 14	Over 16	Over 18	Over 20	Over 22	Over 24	Over 26	Over 28	Over 30	Over 32	Over 34	Over 36	Over 38	Over 40
E-9							6,657.30	6,807.90	6,997.80	7,221.60	7,447.80	7,808.40	8,114.70	8,436.00	8,928.60	8,928.60	9,374.10	9,374.10	9,843.30	9,843.30	10,336.50	10,336.50
E-8						5,449.50	5,690.70	5,839.80	6,018.60	6,212.10	6,561.90	6,739.20	7,040.70	7,207.80	7,619.40	7,619.40	7,772.10	7,772.10	7,772.10	7,772.10	7,772.10	7,772.10
E-7	3,788.10	4,134.30	4,293.00	4,502.10	4,666.50	4,947.60	5,106.30	5,387.10	5,621.40	5,781.30	5,951.10	6,017.10	6,238.20	6,356.70	6,808.80	6,808.80	6,808.80	6,808.80	6,808.80	6,808.80	6,808.80	6,808.80
E-6	3,276.60	3,606.00	3,765.00	3,919.80	4,080.60	4,443.90	4,585.20	4,858.80	4,942.50	5,003.40	5,074.80	5,074.80	5,074.80	5,074.80	5,074.80	5,074.80	5,074.80	5,074.80	5,074.80	5,074.80	5,074.80	5,074.80
E-5	3,001.50	3,203.70	3,358.80	3,517.20	3,763.80	4,021.80	4,234.50	4,259.70	4,259.70	4,259.70	4,259.70	4,259.70	4,259.70	4,259.70	4,259.70	4,259.70	4,259.70	4,259.70	4,259.70	4,259.70	4,259.70	4,259.70
E-4	2,752.20	2,892.90	3,049.80	3,204.30	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40	3,341.40
E-3	2,484.60	2,640.60	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80	2,800.80
E-2	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80	2,362.80
E-1	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10	2,108.10

Commissioned Officers (O-1 to O-10) Pay Chart

Basic Pay – Commissioned Officer Effective January 1, 2025 by Grade and Cumulative Years of Service

Pay Grade	2 or less	Over 2	Over 3	Over 4	Over 6	Over 8	Over 10	Over 12	Over 14	Over 16	Over 18	Over 20	Over 22	Over 24	Over 26	Over 28	Over 30	Over 32	Over 34	Over 36	Over 38	Over 40
O-10												18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20
O-9												18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20
O-8	13,380.00	13,818.90	14,109.30	14,190.30	14,553.60	15,159.30	15,300.60	15,876.30	16,042.20	16,538.10	17,256.00	17,917.20	18,359.10	18,359.10	18,359.10	18,359.10	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20	18,808.20
O-7	11,117.70	11,634.00	11,873.10	12,063.60	12,407.10	12,747.30	13,140.00	13,531.50	13,925.10	15,159.30	16,202.10	16,202.10	16,202.10	16,202.10	16,285.50	16,285.50	16,611.00	16,611.00	16,611.00	16,611.00	16,611.00	16,611.00
O-6	8,430.90	9,261.90	9,870.00	9,870.00	9,907.80	10,332.30	10,388.70	10,388.70	10,979.10	12,022.80	12,635.40	13,247.70	13,596.30	13,949.10	14,632.80	14,632.80	14,925.00	14,925.00	14,925.00	14,925.00	14,925.00	14,925.00
O-5	7,028.40	7,917.30	8,465.40	8,568.60	8,910.90	9,114.90	9,564.90	9,895.80	10,322.70	10,974.30	11,285.10	11,592.30	11,940.90	11,940.90	11,940.90	11,940.90	11,940.90	11,940.90	11,940.90	11,940.90	11,940.90	11,940.90
O-4	6,064.20	7,019.70	7,488.90	7,592.40	8,027.10	8,493.60	9,075.00	9,526.20	9,840.60	10,020.90	10,125.00	10,125.00	10,125.00	10,125.00	10,125.00	10,125.00	10,125.00	10,125.00	10,125.00	10,125.00	10,125.00	10,125.00
O-3	5,331.60	6,044.10	6,522.60	7,112.40	7,453.80	7,827.90	8,069.10	8,466.60	8,674.50	8,674.50	8,674.50	8,674.50	8,674.50	8,674.50	8,674.50	8,674.50	8,674.50	8,674.50	8,674.50	8,674.50	8,674.50	8,674.50
O-2	4,606.80	5,246.70	6,042.90	6,247.20	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30	6,375.30
O-1	3,998.40	4,161.90	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30	5,031.30

Warrant Officers (W-1 to W-5) Pay Chart

Basic Pay – Warrant Officer Effective January 1, 2025 by Grade and Cumulative Years of Service

Pay Grade	2 or less	Over 2	Over 3	Over 4	Over 6	Over 8	Over 10	Over 12	Over 14	Over 16	Over 18	Over 20	Over 22	Over 24	Over 26	Over 28	Over 30	Over 32	Over 34	Over 36	Over 38	Over 40
W-5												9,797.40	10,294.50	10,665.00	11,074.20	11,074.20	11,628.90	11,628.90	12,209.40	12,209.40	12,821.10	12,821.10
W-4	5,510.40	5,926.80	6,096.90	6,264.30	6,552.90	6,838.20	7,127.10	7,560.90	7,941.90	8,304.30	8,601.60	8,891.10	9,315.60	9,664.80	10,062.90	10,062.90	10,263.60	10,263.60	10,263.60	10,263.60	10,263.60	10,263.60
W-3	5,032.20	5,241.30	5,457.00	5,526.90	5,752.20	6,195.60	6,657.60	6,875.10	7,126.80	7,385.40	7,851.90	8,166.30	8,354.40	8,554.50	8,827.20	8,827.20	8,827.20	8,827.20	8,827.20	8,827.20	8,827.20	8,827.20
W-2	4,452.60	4,873.80	5,003.10	5,092.50	5,380.80	5,829.60	6,052.50	6,271.20	6,539.10	6,748.50	6,937.80	7,164.60	7,313.70	7,431.90	7,431.90	7,431.90	7,431.90	7,431.90	7,431.90	7,431.90	7,431.90	7,431.90
W-1	3,908.10	4,329.30	4,442.10	4,681.20	4,963.50	5,379.90	5,574.30	5,847.00	6,114.30	6,324.60	6,518.40	6,753.60	6,753.60	6,753.60	6,753.60	6,753.60	6,753.60	6,753.60	6,753.60	6,753.60	6,753.60	6,753.60

Basic Pay Considerations

Basic pay is the core component of military compensation, but it is supplemented by various allowances, incentives, and special pay types depending on a service member’s duties, location, and years of service.

Military Allowances and Special Pay in 2025

Beyond basic pay, service members receive various allowances and incentive pays designed to cover housing, food, and specialized duties.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is one of the most significant components of military compensation, particularly for those who do not live in government-provided housing. BAH is designed to assist with the cost of civilian housing, helping military families avoid the financial burden of housing in areas where rent can be expensive. The amount of BAH a service member receives is determined by several factors, including their location, rank, and dependency status (whether they have dependents such as a spouse or children).

In 2025, BAH rates increased by an average of 6.1%. This increase is in response to the growing cost of housing in the United States, particularly in high-demand military locations. Rent prices have risen dramatically in many cities, and the military aims to ensure that service members can afford a suitable place to live without sacrificing quality of life.

For example, a married E-5 stationed in San Diego, California, will receive a significantly higher BAH than an E-5 stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. The difference in BAH is due to the vastly different housing markets in these locations, with San Diego being one of the most expensive cities for renters in the country. In contrast, Missouri generally has more affordable housing, leading to a lower BAH rate for the same rank and dependency status.

It's important to note that BAH is recalculated annually, reflecting changes in housing markets. The 2025 increase in BAH is intended to help service members keep pace with rising rental costs. However, service members should always check their specific BAH rate, as it may vary depending on their duty station and family size.

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)

The Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) covers food costs for service members. In 2025, BAS rates increased slightly to reflect rising food prices:

Enlisted members: $460.00 per month
Officers: $317.00 per month

Unlike BAH, BAS is not tied to location and does not vary based on local cost of living, meaning service members can rely on a predictable monthly food allowance regardless of where they are stationed. However, BAS also doesn’t account for specific dietary needs or lifestyle choices. Service members may need to budget carefully to ensure they have enough to cover their food expenses each month, particularly if they are living in areas where grocery costs are higher than average.

Hazardous Duty Pay and Special Incentives

Service members who are assigned to certain duties, environments, or locations that pose additional risks or challenges may qualify for various forms of hazardous duty pay or special incentive pays. These pays are designed to compensate service members for the difficulties or dangers associated with particular assignments. The types of special pays vary depending on the service member’s job and the nature of their assignment. Some common forms of hazardous duty pay include:

Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP) – Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay is given to service members whose jobs involve significant risk or danger. This includes roles such as aviation crew members, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians, and those in certain combat-related fields. In 2025, HDIP continues to be an essential form of compensation for service members in high-risk assignments, such as those in aviation or specialized military roles that require handling dangerous materials.
Sea Pay – Sailors and service members stationed on ships or submarines are eligible for sea pay, an additional allowance designed to compensate for the challenges and lifestyle associated with life at sea. Sea pay is offered to service members who serve aboard Navy vessels, and the amount depends on factors such as rank, the duration of deployment, and the type of ship or submarine on which the service member serves. In 2025, sea pay continues to be a vital form of compensation for sailors who spend extended periods away from their families and in difficult conditions while on deployment.
Deployment Pay – Service members deployed to combat zones or hardship locations are eligible for deployment pay, which provides financial compensation for the unique challenges posed by being away from home in high-risk areas. Deployment pay can include both tax-free allowances and additional incentives for serving in specific regions, such as those designated as combat zones by the Department of Defense.

Special Pays for Highly Skilled Personnel

In addition to the allowances and special pays for hazardous or dangerous assignments, the military also offers special pays to retain highly skilled or specialized personnel. These pays are designed to encourage service members to continue serving in roles that require a unique skill set or to incentivize reenlistment in critical fields. Some of the most common types of special pay include:

Recruitment and Retention Bonuses – These bonuses are designed to entice service members to enter or remain in particular military branches or roles that are in high demand, such as cybersecurity, medical specialties, or advanced technical positions. In 2025, the military continues to offer substantial bonuses to fill gaps in areas of critical need, helping to maintain operational readiness and ensure the armed forces are fully staffed with the necessary expertise.
Foreign Language Proficiency Pay – Service members who possess proficiency in foreign languages critical to military operations may qualify for additional pay. This pay encourages personnel to develop language skills in languages that are crucial for international operations, intelligence gathering, or diplomatic relations. In 2025, the military continues to place a premium on foreign language skills, especially in areas such as Arabic, Chinese, and Russian, where fluency can be critical to national security efforts.

Military allowances and special pay are crucial elements of a service member's compensation package, providing essential financial support to help them manage the unique challenges they face.

Military Retirement Pay in 2025

Retired military servicemember playing golf during retirement

Retirement pay remains a crucial benefit of military service, rewarding those who serve for at least 20 years. In 2025, the Blended Retirement System (BRS) continues to be the standard for new entrants, combining traditional pension benefits with a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) match.

Blended Retirement System (BRS) Highlights

Automatic TSP contributions: The military contributes 1% of base pay to a service member’s TSP, with up to a 5% match for voluntary contributions.
Pension after 20 years: Retired pay is calculated as 2% of the highest 36 months of basic pay per year of service.
Lump-sum payout option: Eligible retirees can receive a portion of their pension as a lump sum at retirement.

Those who joined before 2018 remain under the legacy High-3 system, which provides a 2.5% multiplier for pension calculations.

Tax Considerations for Military Pay in 2025

Tax-Free Allowances

BAH and BAS are non-taxable, meaning they do not count as taxable income. This significantly increases a service member’s take-home pay.

Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE)

Military members deployed to designated combat zones remain eligible for the Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE), which exempts their basic pay and some allowances from federal income tax. This provides substantial savings for deployed personnel.

State Tax Exemptions

Some states do not tax military income, while others provide tax breaks for service members. Those stationed in a state with no income tax (such as Texas or Florida) benefit from lower overall tax burdens.

Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) and Other Benefits

Service members stationed in high-cost areas, such as Hawaii or Alaska, may receive a Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) to offset additional expenses. In 2025, COLA rates were adjusted based on regional economic conditions.

Additionally, military families continue to benefit from:

Tuition Assistance (TA) – Covers up to $250 per credit hour for college courses.
Family Separation Allowance (FSA) – Provides $250 per month for those separated from dependents due to deployment.
Healthcare Benefits – TRICARE remains a valuable, low-cost healthcare option for military families.

Financial Planning Tips for Military Members in 2025

With the updated pay structure, service members should take proactive steps to maximize their earnings and benefits.

1. Contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

The TSP remains one of the best retirement savings tools for military members. Aim to contribute at least 5% of base pay to receive the full DoD match under the Blended Retirement System (BRS).

2. Build an Emergency Fund

Unexpected expenses can arise, especially with deployments or PCS moves. Aim to save at least 3-6 months’ worth of expenses in an emergency fund.

3. Take Advantage of Tax-Free Benefits

Leverage tax-free allowances (BAH, BAS) and Combat Zone Tax Exclusions (CZTE) to maximize savings and investments.

4. Plan for PCS Moves

Frequent relocations can strain finances. Utilize Dislocation Allowance (DLA) and Military OneSource resources to offset PCS-related expenses.

5. Explore VA Home Loans

Military members and veterans can purchase homes with no down payment using the VA Loan benefit. Research VA loan limits and funding fees before buying a home.

Final Thoughts on the 2025 Military Pay Chart

The 2025 military pay adjustments reflect a significant step toward improving service members’ financial stability, particularly for junior enlisted personnel. With the largest raise in decades for E-1 to E-4 ranks, the military continues to prioritize fair compensation and retention.

Understanding your pay, allowances, and benefits is essential for making informed financial decisions. By leveraging available resources and planning strategically, service members can achieve financial security both during and after their military careers.

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