Basic Pay for Military Servicemembers
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.
Active duty servicemembers are paid twice per month, on the 1st and the 15th of each month. The charts below show MONTHLY pay, therefore, you would receive 1/2 of this on each payday.
Did You Know?
Did you know, in addition to advancement and promotion, these factors might influence your pay?
- An Annual Pay Raise
- Longevity raises virtually every 2 years (based on the number of years in service.
- Basic Allowance for Housing Increases BAH (based on location).
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence BAS Increase.
- Cost of Living Allowance COLA Increase (based on location).
- And Special Pay(s) (based on occupations: Combat, Flight, Hazardous Duty.
- If you are transferring you can bet that your BAH and Cola will probably change.
Click here for 2020 Enlisted Pay Charts.
To learn more about the various additional pay that servicemembers can receive click here.
Past Pay Rate Information
You can view the 2016 Military Pay Charts in PDF format for more specific information.
Active Duty – FY 2012
(effective January 1, 2012) – Pay Overview
Active Duty – FY 2011
(effective January 1, 2011)
Active Duty – FY 2010
(effective January 1, 2010)
Active Duty – FY 2009
(effective January 1, 2009)
Active Duty – FY 2008
(effective January 1, 2008)
Active Duty – FY 2007
(effective January 1, 2007)
Active Duty – FY 2006
(effective January 1, 2006)
Active Duty – FY 2005
(effective January 1, 2005)
Active Duty – FY 2004 (effective January 1, 2004)
Reserve Drill – FY 2004 (effective January 1, 2004)
Source: Defense Finance and Accounting Service