How Much Does a Master Sergeant / First Sergeant / Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8) Make in 2026?
In 2026 a Master Sergeant / First Sergeant / Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8) earns between $5,657 and $7,909 per month in basic pay, depending on years of service — plus tax-free BAH and BAS that raise real take-home pay further.
E-8 is a senior enlisted leadership grade, typically reached after 14–18 years of service. The pay table for E-8 starts at 8 years of service.
2026 E-8 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly basic pay |
|---|---|
| Over 8 years | $5,657 |
| Over 10 years | $5,907 |
| Over 12 years | $6,062 |
| Over 14 years | $6,247 |
| Over 16 years | $6,448 |
| Over 18 years | $6,811 |
| Over 20 years | $6,995 |
| Over 22 years | $7,308 |
| Over 24 years | $7,482 |
| Over 26 years | $7,909 |
An E-8 with 16 years of service earns $6,448/month in basic pay (about $77,376/year) before allowances.
See your exact E-8 take-home pay — pre-filled for E-8, just add your ZIP.
Calculate my pay →E-8 pay beyond basic pay
Basic pay is only part of the paycheck. Most E-8s 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-8's real take-home pay is noticeably higher than the basic-pay figure alone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does E-8 make in 2026?
An E-8 (a Master Sergeant) earns $5,657 to $7,909 per month in basic pay in 2026, plus tax-free BAH and BAS.
How much does a E-8 make with 16 years?
About $6,448 per month in basic pay, plus allowances.