How Much Does a Lieutenant Colonel / Commander (O-5) Make in 2026?
In 2026 a Lieutenant Colonel / Commander (O-5) earns between $7,295 and $12,394 per month in basic pay, depending on years of service — plus tax-free BAH and BAS that raise real take-home pay further.
O-5 is a senior field-grade rank, often a battalion-command or ship-command level, typically reached around 15–17 years.
2026 O-5 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly basic pay |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | $7,295 |
| Over 2 years | $8,219 |
| Over 3 years | $8,787 |
| Over 4 years | $8,894 |
| Over 6 years | $9,250 |
| Over 8 years | $9,462 |
| Over 10 years | $9,929 |
| Over 12 years | $10,272 |
| Over 14 years | $10,714 |
| Over 16 years | $11,392 |
| Over 18 years | $11,714 |
| Over 20 years | $12,033 |
| Over 22 years | $12,394 |
An O-5 with 16 years of service earns $11,392/month in basic pay (about $136,704/year) before allowances.
See your exact O-5 take-home pay — pre-filled for O-5, just add your ZIP.
Calculate my pay →O-5 pay beyond basic pay
Basic pay is only part of the paycheck. Most O-5s 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-5's real take-home pay is noticeably higher than the basic-pay figure alone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does O-5 make in 2026?
An O-5 (a Lieutenant Colonel) earns $7,295 to $12,394 per month in basic pay in 2026, plus tax-free BAH and BAS.
How much does a O-5 make with 16 years?
About $11,392 per month in basic pay, plus allowances.