How Much Does a Captain / Lieutenant (O-3) Make in 2026?
In 2026 a Captain / Lieutenant (O-3) earns between $5,535 and $9,004 per month in basic pay, depending on years of service — plus tax-free BAH and BAS that raise real take-home pay further.
O-3 (Army/Air Force/Marine Captain or Navy Lieutenant) is the rank most company-grade officers hold for several years.
2026 O-3 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly basic pay |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | $5,535 |
| Over 2 years | $6,273 |
| Over 3 years | $6,771 |
| Over 4 years | $7,383 |
| Over 6 years | $7,737 |
| Over 8 years | $8,125 |
| Over 10 years | $8,376 |
| Over 12 years | $8,788 |
| Over 14 years | $9,004 |
An O-3 with 4 years of service earns $7,383/month in basic pay (about $88,596/year) before allowances.
See your exact O-3 take-home pay — pre-filled for O-3, just add your ZIP.
Calculate my pay →O-3 pay beyond basic pay
Basic pay is only part of the paycheck. Most O-3s 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-3's real take-home pay is noticeably higher than the basic-pay figure alone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does O-3 make in 2026?
An O-3 (a Captain) earns $5,535 to $9,004 per month in basic pay in 2026, plus tax-free BAH and BAS.
How much does a O-3 make with 4 years?
About $7,383 per month in basic pay, plus allowances.