How Much Does a Sergeant First Class / Gunnery Sergeant / Chief Petty Officer (E-7) Make in 2026?
In 2026 a Sergeant First Class / Gunnery Sergeant / Chief Petty Officer (E-7) earns between $3,932 and $6,598 per month in basic pay, depending on years of service — plus tax-free BAH and BAS that raise real take-home pay further.
E-7 is a senior NCO grade and a major career milestone, typically reached after 10–14 years.
2026 E-7 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly basic pay |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | $3,932 |
| Over 2 years | $4,291 |
| Over 4 years | $4,673 |
| Over 6 years | $4,844 |
| Over 8 years | $5,135 |
| Over 10 years | $5,300 |
| Over 12 years | $5,592 |
| Over 14 years | $5,835 |
| Over 16 years | $6,001 |
| Over 18 years | $6,177 |
| Over 20 years | $6,245 |
| Over 22 years | $6,475 |
| Over 24 years | $6,598 |
An E-7 with 12 years of service earns $5,592/month in basic pay (about $67,104/year) before allowances.
See your exact E-7 take-home pay — pre-filled for E-7, just add your ZIP.
Calculate my pay →E-7 pay beyond basic pay
Basic pay is only part of the paycheck. Most E-7s 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-7's real take-home pay is noticeably higher than the basic-pay figure alone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does E-7 make in 2026?
An E-7 (a Sergeant First Class) earns $3,932 to $6,598 per month in basic pay in 2026, plus tax-free BAH and BAS.
How much does a E-7 make with 12 years?
About $5,592 per month in basic pay, plus allowances.