Military Pay 2026: Enlisted Basic Pay by Rank (E-1 to E-7)
Official 2026 basic pay for new enlisted members from DFAS, plus the food allowance (BAS) and what else makes up military pay. Monthly figures, E-1 to E-7.
How much does a new enlisted member get paid? The official answer comes from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), which publishes the pay tables. Here are the 2026 numbers — effective January 1, 2026 — for the ranks most new enlistees start in, and what else adds to a paycheck.
Basic pay, 2026 (monthly)
From the DFAS table "Basic Pay – Enlisted, Effective January 1, 2026", for 2 years of service or less:
| Pay grade | Monthly basic pay |
|---|---|
| E-1 (under 4 months of service) | $2,225.70 |
| E-1 (4 months or more) | $2,407.20 |
| E-2 | $2,697.90 |
| E-3 | $2,836.80 |
| E-4 | $3,142.20 |
| E-5 | $3,342.90 |
| E-6 | $3,401.10 |
| E-7 | $3,932.10 |
Two things to know about reading this table:
- Pay rises with time in service. The DFAS table has columns for "over 2" years, "over 3," and so on. For example, an E-4 with more than 6 years of service is listed at $3,815.40 a month.
- These are before taxes and before any allowances.
For a rough yearly figure, multiply by 12: E-1 (4 months or more) comes to about $28,886 in basic pay, and E-5 to about $40,115.
Pay grade isn't the same in every branch's name
E-1, E-2 and so on are DoD pay grades used by every branch. Each branch has its own rank titles for them; DFAS points to the DoD Financial Management Regulation for the official list of comparable grades.
What else is in a paycheck
Basic pay is the foundation, but it's not everything:
Food: Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
DFAS lists the 2026 BAS rate for enlisted members at $476.95 a month (officers: $328.48). It's a separate allowance for food, on top of basic pay.
Housing: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
Members assigned to permanent duty in the 50 states who aren't provided government housing receive BAH, based on their pay grade, whether they have dependents, and the ZIP code of their duty station. It varies a lot by location. BAH Explained covers how it's set.
Other pay
Depending on the job and situation, there can be other special pays, bonuses and allowances. They depend on the branch and the job — confirm with a recruiter what applies to you.
Where the ASVAB comes in
Everything above starts after you enlist, and enlisting starts with your AFQT. The Army's published minimum is 31, and the official ASVAB site says applicants in Category IIIA or higher — an AFQT of 50 or more — may qualify for enlistment incentives. What Is a Good AFQT Score? explains the levels.
Our free practice test gives you an AFQT estimate from the four AFQT sections, with the computer version's time limits — a practice estimate, not an official score.
ASVABIFY is a study app, not affiliated with the Department of Defense. Pay tables change every January; check DFAS for the current one.
Quick answers
How much does an E-1 make in 2026?
$2,407.20 a month in basic pay with 4 months of service or more, and $2,225.70 with less than 4 months, according to DFAS.
How much does an E-4 make in 2026?
$3,142.20 a month with 2 years of service or less. It rises with time in service — $3,815.40 with more than 6 years.
Is BAS included in basic pay?
No. BAS is a separate allowance. For enlisted members in 2026 it's $476.95 a month.
Do all service members get BAH?
No. BAH is for members with permanent duty in the 50 states who aren't provided government housing.
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