U.S. Military Pay 2024: Basic Pay, Allowances & Benefits by Rank
Military compensation combines basic pay (by paygrade & years of service), tax-free allowances, and comprehensive benefits.
2024 Monthly Basic Pay (Officer Examples)
| Paygrade | Rank (Army/AF/Marine/Navy) | <2 Years | >8 Years | >16 Years | >26 Years |
|---|
| O-1 | 2nd Lt / Ensign | $3,826 | $4,814 | $4,814 | $4,814 |
| O-3 | Captain / Lt | $5,331 | $7,132 | $7,680 | $7,680 |
| O-5 | Lt Col / Cdr | $7,139 | $8,932 | $10,071 | $10,799 |
| O-6 | Col / Captain | $8,067 | $9,814 | $11,234 | $12,083 |
Enlisted (E-1 to E-9) and Warrant scales also apply. Rates adjust annually (typically Jan 1).
Key Allowances (Tax-Free)
- BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing): Varies by grade, location, dependents. E.g., O-3 w/ dependents in San Diego: ~$3,800/mo.
- BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence): Officers: $316.98; Enlisted: $452.56 (2024).
- Special/Incentive Pays: Flight, hazardous duty, language, medical, submarine, etc.
Major Benefits
- Healthcare: TRICARE (near-zero cost for active duty + family).
- Retirement: 20-yr vesting → 40% base pay (High-3) or Blended Retirement System (TSP matching + 20-yr annuity).
- Education: Tuition Assistance, Post-9/11 GI Bill (transferable).
- Commissary/Exchange: Tax-free shopping.
- Leave: 30 days/year + federal holidays.
Total Compensation (pay + allowances + benefits) often exceeds civilian peers with similar education/responsibility. See DFAS for official tables.
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