Military Pay Calculator
Pick your pay grade and years of service to see 2026 basic pay and BAS, add your BAH, and get a monthly and annual total.
UpdatedMilitary pay calculator
Estimated gross monthly total$4,423.75$53,085.00 per year
| Item | Tax status | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| Basic pay | Taxable | $3,946.80 |
| BAS (food allowance) | Non-taxable | $476.95 |
| BAH (entered) | Non-taxable | $0.00 |
| Taxable subtotal | $3,946.80 | |
| Non-taxable subtotal | $476.95 |
Gross amounts before federal and state taxes, FICA, SGLI, TSP and other deductions. Rates: DFAS, effective 2026-01-01. Estimate only; your Leave and Earnings Statement is the final word.
How military pay adds up
Most service members are paid from three pieces. Basic pay is the base salary, set by pay grade and cumulative years of service. BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) is a monthly food allowance. BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly housing allowance based on where you are stationed, your grade and whether you have dependents.
Here is a real example from the 2026 tables. An E-5 with over 4 years of service earns $3,946.80 basic pay plus $476.95 BAS, or $4,423.75 a month before BAH ($53,085.00 a year). An O-3 with over 6 years earns $7,737.00 plus $328.48 BAS, or $8,065.48 a month before BAH ($96,785.76 a year). Add your BAH and the total moves up quickly, which is why housing is often the biggest number on a military paycheck after basic pay.
Taxable vs. non-taxable pay
Basic pay is taxable. BAS and BAH are generally not subject to federal income tax, so a dollar of allowance is worth more than a dollar of basic pay when you compare a military package to a civilian salary. The calculator marks each line so you can see the split. Totals are gross: they do not subtract tax, FICA, SGLI, TSP or other deductions.
Dependents and BAH
Dependents do not change basic pay or BAS. They change BAH. Use the official DoD BAH rate lookup with your duty ZIP code and grade, pick the with-dependents or without-dependents rate, and enter it above.
Where the numbers come from
Source: DFAS basic pay and BAS tables, effective 2026-01-01. Basepass is independent and not affiliated with DFAS or the Department of Defense, and this tool is an estimate, not financial advice. See the full tables on the 2026 military pay chart.
Pay is only part of what service gives you. The veteran benefits guide covers the VA, health care, education and home loan programs that come with service, and Basepass matches them to your profile. Thinking past 20 years? The military retirement calculator estimates your pension.
Frequently asked questions
How is military pay calculated?
Basic pay comes from a table set by pay grade (rank) and cumulative years of service, and it rises each January by a percentage set in law. On top of that you may receive allowances such as BAS and BAH and special pays that depend on your duty. This calculator adds basic pay, BAS and the BAH and other pay you enter.
Does this calculator include BAH?
BAH depends on your duty location, pay grade and whether you have dependents, so it cannot come from rank alone. Look up your rate in the official DoD BAH calculator, type the monthly amount into the BAH field, and it is added to your non-taxable total.
Does having dependents change my basic pay?
No. Basic pay and BAS are the same with or without dependents. Dependents change the BAH rate you receive (and may qualify you for other benefits), so choose the with-dependents or without-dependents rate when you look up BAH.
What is the 2026 BAS rate?
Effective January 1, 2026, DFAS lists BAS at $476.95 per month for enlisted members and $328.48 per month for officers.
Are BAS and BAH taxable?
Generally no. Basic pay is taxable income, while BAS and BAH are normally excluded from federal income tax. Tax treatment can vary by state and situation, so check your Leave and Earnings Statement or a tax professional for specifics.
Is this the same as my take-home pay?
No. The result is gross pay before federal and state tax, Social Security and Medicare, SGLI, TSP contributions and other deductions or allotments.
Does the calculator store or send my information?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent to a server or saved.
Your paycheck is only part of it
Basepass matches your federal, VA, state, branch and local benefits and nearby discounts to your profile, so you can see what you qualify for beyond pay.
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