Reviewed by Jonathan Teplitsky · Updated June 2026
Space Force Pay Chart 2026 and 2025
Space Force basic pay is set by the unified Department of Defense pay table, so a Guardian earns exactly the same as a Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, or Coast Guardsman at the same rank and years of service. The FY2026 NDAA raised basic pay 3.8% effective January 1, 2026.
Why Space Force Pay Looks Like Air Force Pay
Congress sets one DoD-wide basic pay table. Established December 20, 2019, USSF is the sixth and newest armed service, organized under the Department of the Air Force. Guardians who transferred from USAF kept their existing rank, years, and pay rate — the transfer was administrative, not a pay event. New Guardians enter through a small, highly competitive pipeline.
2026 USSF Basic Pay Table (selected cells)
| USSF Rank | Grade | YOS | 2026 Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialist 1 | E-1 | <2 | $2,113 |
| Specialist 3 | E-3 | 2 | $2,802 |
| Specialist 4 | E-4 | 4 | $3,260 |
| Sergeant | E-5 | 6 | $3,704 |
| Technical Sergeant | E-7 | 12 | $5,162 |
| Second Lieutenant | O-1 | <2 | $4,138 |
| Captain | O-3 | 6 | $7,907 |
| Lt Colonel | O-5 | 16 | $10,985 |
2025 USSF Basic Pay Table (post-April)
| USSF Rank | Grade | YOS | 2025 Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spc1 | E-1 | <2 | $2,036 |
| Spc3 | E-3 | 2 | $2,699 |
| Spc4 | E-4 | 4 | $3,140 |
| Sgt | E-5 | 6 | $3,570 |
| TSgt | E-7 | 12 | $4,973 |
| O-1 | O-1 | <2 | $3,987 |
| O-3 | O-3 | 6 | $7,618 |
| O-5 | O-5 | 16 | $10,583 |
Space Force Ranks and Pay Ladder
Enlisted: Spc1 (E-1), Spc2, Spc3, Spc4, Sgt (E-5), TSgt, MSgt, SMSgt, CMSgt, and CMSSF (Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force — the senior enlisted advisor). Officer: 2Lt, 1Lt, Capt, Maj, LtCol, Col, BrigGen, MajGen, LtGen, Gen. No warrant officer corps. See the full Space Force ranks guide.
Space Force Officer Pay
A new O-1 earns $4,138/mo in 2026. An O-3 Captain with 6 years draws $7,907; an O-5 Lt Col with 16 years draws $10,985. Compare cross-branch on the officer pay chart.
Space Force Enlisted Pay
Enlisted Guardians start at $2,113/mo as a Spc1 in 2026. A Sergeant with 6 years earns $3,704; a TSgt with 12 years earns $5,162. Senior E-9 Guardians routinely exceed $7,000/mo. See the enlisted pay chart.
Special Pays for Guardians
USSF has no service-specific flight pay or sea pay. Guardians qualify for standard DoD special pays: hazardous duty incentive pay, hardship duty pay, foreign language proficiency bonus, and re-enlistment bonuses for critical skills. Rated officers transferring from USAF retain ACIP and aviation bonuses.
Allowances Boost Total Compensation
BAH varies by duty location and dependents. BAS — $320.78 officer / $465.77 enlisted in 2026 — is tax-free, raising effective take-home substantially. Use the BAH guide.
Pay Calculator
Estimate your full monthly pay with the Space Force pay calculator.
Sources
DFAS pay tables, U.S. Space Force.
FAQ
How much does the Space Force pay in 2026?
E-1 Spc1 $2,113/mo; senior O-6 with 20+ years exceeds $14,000/mo basic.
Did Space Force pay go up in 2026?
Yes — 3.8% across the board effective January 1, 2026.
Does the Space Force pay more than the Air Force?
No. Unified DoD pay table — rank+years determines pay, not branch.
Does Space Force have warrant officers?
No — like USAF, USSF has no warrant officer corps.
Do Guardians get flight pay?
Not as a standing entitlement. Rated USAF transfers can retain ACIP.