Pay is the most tangible, immediate benefit of serving the military. Get a lowdown of basic pay benefits, and link to specific topics.

Currently, the military compensation system has over 70 separate types of pay and allowances -- that's a lot to keep track of. Fortunately everything you need to know from Basic Pay, to special pay and allowances (even retired pay) can be found right here.

Annual military pay raises are linked to the increase in civilian wages. Current laws governing annual pay raises guarantee that military pay will be at least one-half percent above civilian average pay increases, as measured by the Employment Cost Index (ECI), through 2006. Military pay raises may exceed these automatic levels if authorized and funded by Congress.

To learn about the 2007 2.2% across-the-board pay raise, and April 1, 2007 targeted pay raise, view the 2007 Military Pay Charts.

The January 1, 2006 military pay raise for all grades is 3.1%.

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.

Find Your Pay Chart Now
Active Duty: 2006 Active Duty Pay Charts
Active Duty: 2007 Active Duty Pay Charts
Reserve or Guard: Drill Pay Calculators (Reserve and Guard)
Reserve or Guard: 2007 Guard and Reserve Drill Pay Charts
Retiree: Retired Pay Overview
Disabled Veteran: Disabled Veteran Benefits Overview