Military Pay

Basic Pay is the fundamental component of Military pay. All members receive it and typically it is the largest component of a member’s pay. A member’s grade (usually the same as rank) and years of service determines the amount of basic pay received.

There are various types of pay. Basic pay is received by all and is the main component of an individual’s salary. The other pays, often referred to as special and incentive pays, are for specific qualifications or events.

Allowances are the second most important element of military pay. Allowances are moneys provided for specific needs, such as food or housing. Monetary allowances are provided when the government does not provide for that specific need. For example, the quantity of government housing is not sufficient to house all military members and their families. Those who live in government housing do not receive full housing allowances. Those who do not live in government housing receive allowances to assist them in obtaining commercial housing.

The most common allowances are Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). A majority of the force receives both of these allowances and, in many cases, these allowances comprise a significant portion of the member’s total pay.

Most allowances are not taxable, which is an additional benefit of military pay.

Below you can access Military Pay Rates for all branches.

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