How Much Does a Major / Lieutenant Commander (O-4) Make in 2026?
In 2026 a Major / Lieutenant Commander (O-4) earns between $6,294 and $10,510 per month in basic pay, depending on years of service — plus tax-free BAH and BAS that raise real take-home pay further.
O-4 is a field-grade officer rank, typically reached around the 10-year mark.
2026 O-4 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly basic pay |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | $6,294 |
| Over 2 years | $7,286 |
| Over 3 years | $7,773 |
| Over 4 years | $7,881 |
| Over 6 years | $8,332 |
| Over 8 years | $8,816 |
| Over 10 years | $9,419 |
| Over 12 years | $9,888 |
| Over 14 years | $10,214 |
| Over 16 years | $10,402 |
| Over 18 years | $10,510 |
An O-4 with 10 years of service earns $9,419/month in basic pay (about $113,028/year) before allowances.
See your exact O-4 take-home pay — pre-filled for O-4, just add your ZIP.
Calculate my pay →O-4 pay beyond basic pay
Basic pay is only part of the paycheck. Most O-4s 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-4's real take-home pay is noticeably higher than the basic-pay figure alone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does O-4 make in 2026?
An O-4 (a Major) earns $6,294 to $10,510 per month in basic pay in 2026, plus tax-free BAH and BAS.
How much does a O-4 make with 10 years?
About $9,419 per month in basic pay, plus allowances.