How Much Does a Private First Class / Lance Corporal / Airman First Class (E-3) Make in 2026?
In 2026 a Private First Class / Lance Corporal / Airman First Class (E-3) earns between $2,837 and $3,198 per month in basic pay, depending on years of service — plus tax-free BAH and BAS that raise real take-home pay further.
E-3 is typically reached within the first year or two of service.
2026 E-3 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly basic pay |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | $2,837 |
| Over 2 years | $3,015 |
| Over 3 years | $3,198 |
| Over 4 years | $3,198 |
An E-3 with 2 years of service earns $3,015/month in basic pay (about $36,180/year) before allowances.
See your exact E-3 take-home pay — pre-filled for E-3, just add your ZIP.
Calculate my pay →E-3 pay beyond basic pay
Basic pay is only part of the paycheck. Most E-3s 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-3's real take-home pay is noticeably higher than the basic-pay figure alone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does E-3 make in 2026?
An E-3 (a Private First Class) earns $2,837 to $3,198 per month in basic pay in 2026, plus tax-free BAH and BAS.
How much does a E-3 make with 2 years?
About $3,015 per month in basic pay, plus allowances.