How Much Does a Second Lieutenant / Ensign (O-1) Make in 2026?
In 2026 a Second Lieutenant / Ensign (O-1) earns between $4,150 and $5,222 per month in basic pay, depending on years of service — plus tax-free BAH and BAS that raise real take-home pay further.
O-1 is the entry commissioned-officer grade for new lieutenants and ensigns straight out of commissioning. O-1 basic pay stops increasing after 3 years (most officers promote to O-2 well before then).
2026 O-1 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly basic pay |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | $4,150 |
| Over 2 years | $4,320 |
| Over 3 years | $5,222 |
An O-1 with less than 2 years of service earns $4,150/month in basic pay (about $49,800/year) before allowances.
See your exact O-1 take-home pay — pre-filled for O-1, just add your ZIP.
Calculate my pay →O-1 pay beyond basic pay
Basic pay is only part of the paycheck. Most O-1s also receive tax-free BAH (housing — varies by ZIP code and dependents) and BAS ($328.48/month (officer)). Because allowances are not taxed, a O-1's real take-home pay is noticeably higher than the basic-pay figure alone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does O-1 make in 2026?
An O-1 (a Second Lieutenant) earns $4,150 to $5,222 per month in basic pay in 2026, plus tax-free BAH and BAS.
How much does a O-1 make with under 2 years?
About $4,150 per month in basic pay, plus allowances.