How Much Does a Sergeant Major / Master Chief / Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) Make in 2026?
In 2026 a Sergeant Major / Master Chief / Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) earns between $6,910 and $9,268 per month in basic pay, depending on years of service — plus tax-free BAH and BAS that raise real take-home pay further.
E-9 is the highest enlisted pay grade, normally reached after 18–22 years. The pay table for E-9 starts at 10 years of service.
2026 E-9 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly basic pay |
|---|---|
| Over 10 years | $6,910 |
| Over 12 years | $7,067 |
| Over 14 years | $7,264 |
| Over 16 years | $7,496 |
| Over 18 years | $7,731 |
| Over 20 years | $8,105 |
| Over 22 years | $8,423 |
| Over 24 years | $8,756 |
| Over 26 years | $9,268 |
An E-9 with 20 years of service earns $8,105/month in basic pay (about $97,260/year) before allowances.
See your exact E-9 take-home pay — pre-filled for E-9, just add your ZIP.
Calculate my pay →E-9 pay beyond basic pay
Basic pay is only part of the paycheck. Most E-9s 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-9's real take-home pay is noticeably higher than the basic-pay figure alone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does E-9 make in 2026?
An E-9 (a Sergeant Major) earns $6,910 to $9,268 per month in basic pay in 2026, plus tax-free BAH and BAS.
How much does a E-9 make with 20 years?
About $8,105 per month in basic pay, plus allowances.