When does military pay go up?

Base pay increases when you get promoted (new pay grade) or hit a years-of-service milestone (2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, or 20+ years). Congress also authorizes annual across-the-board pay raises — in 2024 it was 5.2%.

What military pay is taxable vs. non-taxable?

Base Pay and most special pays are taxable (federal + applicable state). BAH and BAS are completely tax-free — they do not count as income for federal or state tax purposes. VA disability compensation is also 100% tax-free.

Military Pay Calculator 2026 | Free Base Pay + BAH + Benefits Tool

Q: How is military pay calculated?

Military pay consists of Base Pay (taxable, set by pay grade and years of service), BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing — tax-free, varies by duty station), and BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence — tax-free, $477/mo enlisted). Special pays like hazardous duty or flight pay are added on top. Federal and state taxes apply only to Base Pay.

Q: Does every state tax military pay?

No. As of 2024, states like Texas, Florida, Nevada, Washington, and about 20 others have no state income tax or fully exempt active duty military pay. States like California and New York tax military base pay at full rates. Use our calculator to see your specific state's rules.

💰 Military Pay Calculator

Enter your pay grade, years of service, and duty station to calculate your full monthly compensation: base pay + BAH + BAS + special pays, minus federal and state taxes.

Duty Status

Pay Grade

Years of Service

Duty Station State

Dependents

Housing

Special Pay

TSP Contribution

SGLI

Monthly Pay Breakdown

ESTIMATED MONTHLY TAKE-HOME

More Military Benefits Calculators

🏠

BAH Calculator

Basic Allowance for Housing — tax-free by state

🎓

GI Bill Benefits

Tuition + MHA + books stipend estimator

📈

TSP Retirement

Project your TSP balance with BRS matching

🎖️

Drill Pay Calculator

Guard & Reserve pay per period, weekend, and AT

⚕️

VA Disability

Combined rating calculator + monthly compensation

❓ Military Pay — Common Questions

How is military pay calculated?

Your total compensation = Base Pay + BAH + BAS + any special pays, minus federal/state taxes, FICA, TSP, and SGLI. Base Pay is taxable and set by your pay grade and years of service. BAH and BAS are 100% tax-free.

When does pay go up?

Two ways: promotion (new pay grade) or hitting a years-of-service milestone at 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, or 20+ years. Congress also authorizes annual raises — 2025 was 4.5%, 2026 is 3.8%.

What's taxable vs. non-taxable?

Base Pay and most special pays are taxable. BAH and BAS are completely tax-free — they don't count as income. VA disability compensation is also 100% tax-free, federal and state.

Does every state tax military pay?

No. Texas, Florida, Nevada, Washington, and ~20 other states have no income tax or fully exempt active duty pay. California and New York tax it at full rates. The calculator shows your exact state's rules.

⚔️ Military Pay Calculator 2026