How Much Does an E-5 Make in 2026?
In 2026 a Sergeant / Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) earns between $3,343 and $4,422 per month in basic pay, depending on years of service — plus tax-free BAH and BAS that push real take-home pay much higher.
2026 E-5 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly basic pay |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | $3,343 |
| Over 2 years | $3,598 |
| Over 3 years | $3,776 |
| Over 4 years | $3,947 |
| Over 6 years | $4,110 |
| Over 8 years | $4,300 |
| Over 10 years | $4,395 |
| Over 12 years | $4,422 |
| Over 14 years | $4,422 |
| Over 16 years | $4,422 |
| Over 18 years | $4,422 |
| Over 20 years | $4,422 |
An E-5's basic pay maxes out at $4,422/month after 12 years of service. A typical E-5 with 4 years of service earns $3,947/month in basic pay (about $47,364/year).
E-5 total pay: basic pay + allowances
Basic pay is just the start. Most E-5s also receive:
- BAH — tax-free housing allowance based on your ZIP code and whether you have dependents. This can add anywhere from ~$1,200 to over $4,000/month in high-cost areas.
- BAS — $476.95/month tax-free food allowance.
For example, an E-5 with 4 years and dependents stationed in San Diego receives roughly $3,947 basic + ~$3,987 BAH + $476.95 BAS ≈ $8,400/month in total entitlements, with take-home around $7,600/month after taxes and TSP. Your numbers depend heavily on location.
See your exact E-5 take-home pay — pre-filled for E-5, just add your ZIP.
Calculate my pay →Why take-home pay is higher than it looks
Because BAH and BAS are not taxed, a large share of an E-5's compensation is tax-free. Only basic pay (and taxable special pays) are subject to federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. Many states also exempt military pay entirely.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an E-5 make in 2026?
An E-5 earns $3,343 to $4,422 per month in basic pay in 2026, plus tax-free BAH and BAS.
How much does an E-5 with 4 years make?
About $3,947 per month in basic pay, or roughly $47,364 per year, before adding BAH and BAS.
Is E-5 pay taxed?
Only basic pay and taxable special pays are taxed. BAH and BAS are tax-free, and many states exempt military pay.