How Much Does a Private / Airman Basic / Seaman Recruit (E-1) Make in 2026?
In 2026 a Private / Airman Basic / Seaman Recruit (E-1) earns between $2,407 and $2,407 per month in basic pay, depending on years of service — plus tax-free BAH and BAS that raise real take-home pay further.
E-1 is the entry rank you hold in basic training and your first months of service. E-1 pay is a single flat rate that does not change with years of service.
2026 E-1 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly basic pay |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | $2,407 |
An E-1 with less than 2 years of service earns $2,407/month in basic pay (about $28,884/year) before allowances.
See your exact E-1 take-home pay — pre-filled for E-1, just add your ZIP.
Calculate my pay →E-1 pay beyond basic pay
Basic pay is only part of the paycheck. Most E-1s also receive tax-free BAH (housing — varies by ZIP code and dependents) and BAS ($476.95/month (enlisted)). Because allowances are not taxed, a E-1's real take-home pay is noticeably higher than the basic-pay figure alone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does E-1 make in 2026?
An E-1 (a Private) earns $2,407 to $2,407 per month in basic pay in 2026, plus tax-free BAH and BAS.
How much does a E-1 make with under 2 years?
About $2,407 per month in basic pay, plus allowances.