Base Pay
Military base pay is determined by your pay grade (rank) and years of service. Pay tables are updated annually — typically with a percentage increase tied to the Employment Cost Index. Base pay is the foundation of your total military compensation and is used to calculate retirement pay.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
BAH covers your housing costs when you live off-base. Rates are set by your duty station zip code, pay grade, and whether you have dependents. BAH is tax-free, making it one of the most valuable parts of your compensation. Rates are recalculated annually based on local rental market surveys.
Special & Incentive Pays
The military offers dozens of special and incentive pays depending on your job, location, and circumstances. Common examples include hazardous duty pay, flight pay, dive pay, foreign language proficiency pay, and hostile fire/imminent danger pay. These pays can add hundreds or thousands to your monthly income.
Learn more about special pays →
PCS Entitlements
When you receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, the military covers most moving expenses. This includes transportation of household goods, Dislocation Allowance (DLA), Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), per diem during travel, and mileage reimbursement. You can also opt for a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY) to keep the difference between your allowance and actual costs.
Learn more about PCS entitlements →
Understanding Total Compensation
Your true military compensation is more than just base pay. When you add BAH, BAS, special pays, and the tax advantages of non-taxable allowances, your effective income is significantly higher than your base pay alone. Use our calculators above to see your full compensation picture.