2012 Military Pay Overview

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.

In general annual military pay raises are linked to the increase in civilian wages. However current laws governing annual pay raises no longer guarantee that military pay will be at automatically set above civilian average pay increases.

Factors That Affect Your Pay

Did you know, in addition to advancement and promotion, the following factors will influence your pay?

• The Annual Pay Raise.
• Longevity raises virtually every 2 years (based on the number of years in service).
• Promotions.
• 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 Military Pay Chart Now

Active Duty: 2011 Active Duty Pay Charts
Guard and Reserve: 2011 Guard and Reserve Drill Pay Charts
Historical Pay Charts: Military Pay Charts Dating Back to 1949
Retiree: Retired Pay Overview
Military Retiree Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): 2012 Retiree COLA
Disabled Veteran: Disabled Veteran Benefits Overview