How Much Does a Staff Sergeant / Petty Officer First Class (E-6) Make in 2026?
In 2026 a Staff Sergeant / Petty Officer First Class (E-6) earns between $3,401 and $5,268 per month in basic pay, depending on years of service — plus tax-free BAH and BAS that raise real take-home pay further.
E-6 is a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) grade, usually reached after 6–10 years.
2026 E-6 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly basic pay |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | $3,401 |
| Over 2 years | $3,743 |
| Over 4 years | $4,068 |
| Over 6 years | $4,236 |
| Over 8 years | $4,612 |
| Over 10 years | $4,760 |
| Over 12 years | $5,044 |
| Over 14 years | $5,131 |
| Over 16 years | $5,194 |
| Over 18 years | $5,268 |
| Over 20 years | $5,268 |
An E-6 with 8 years of service earns $4,612/month in basic pay (about $55,344/year) before allowances.
See your exact E-6 take-home pay — pre-filled for E-6, just add your ZIP.
Calculate my pay →E-6 pay beyond basic pay
Basic pay is only part of the paycheck. Most E-6s 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-6's real take-home pay is noticeably higher than the basic-pay figure alone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does E-6 make in 2026?
An E-6 (a Staff Sergeant) earns $3,401 to $5,268 per month in basic pay in 2026, plus tax-free BAH and BAS.
How much does a E-6 make with 8 years?
About $4,612 per month in basic pay, plus allowances.