2025 vs 2026 Military Pay: What Actually Changed
2026 brought a 3.8% basic pay raise, a 2.4% BAS bump, and a ~4.2% average BAH increase. Here's exactly what changed from 2025 — and what it means for your paycheck.
Basic pay: +3.8% (examples)
| Rank (years) | 2025 basic pay | 2026 basic pay | Monthly increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-4 (over 4) | $3,525 | $3,659 | +$134 |
| E-5 (over 6) | $3,960 | $4,110 | +$150 |
| E-7 (over 12) | $5,387 | $5,592 | +$205 |
| O-3 (over 6) | $7,454 | $7,737 | +$283 |
Allowances also changed
- BAS +2.4%: enlisted rose to $476.95/month and officers to $328.48.
- BAH +4.2% on average: your specific change depends on local rents — some areas rose much more, others less. Look yours up in the BAH rates by location pages.
- Still 95% cost coverage: BAH continues to leave a small out-of-pocket share — see BAH reform.
What's next: the 2027 raise
2026's 3.8% was an across-the-board raise. The proposed 2027 raise is tiered — 7% for E-5 and below, 6% for E-6–O-3, 5% for O-4+ — pending the FY2027 NDAA. Track it on our 2027 page.
See your 2026 pay with the current rates — basic, BAH, BAS and take-home.
Calculate my pay →Frequently asked questions
How much did military pay go up from 2025 to 2026?
Basic pay rose 3.8%, BAS rose 2.4% (to $476.95 enlisted / $328.48 officer), and BAH rose about 4.2% on average — though BAH varies a lot by location.
What was the 2026 military pay raise?
A 3.8% across-the-board increase to basic pay, effective January 1, 2026.
Is the 2027 raise bigger?
The proposal is tiered and larger for junior troops: 7% for E-5 and below, 6% for E-6 to O-3, and 5% for O-4 and above — not yet law.