Marine Corps Retirement
Marine Corps retirement pay = multiplier × High-3 (or final) basic pay only — BAH, BAS, and special/incentive pays are excluded. A 20-year High-36 retirement pays 50% of High-3; a 20-year BRS retirement pays 40% of High-3 plus a 5% TSP government match.
Reviewed by Jonathan Teplitsky · Updated June 2026
Which system applies to you
Your system is locked by your Date of Initial Entry to military service, not by rank or MOS:
- DOR before Sep 8, 1980 — Final Pay. 50% of final basic pay at 20 years, +2.5%/yr add'l, max 75%.
- DOR Sep 8, 1980 - Jul 31, 1986 — High-36. 50% of High-3 at 20 years, +2.5%/yr.
- DOR Aug 1, 1986 - Dec 31, 2017 — High-36 with REDUX/CSB option. Most Marines declined.
- DOR Jan 1, 2018+ — BRS only. 40% at 20 yr + TSP match up to 5%.
- Opt-in: Marines with <12 years on Dec 31, 2017 had a 2018 BRS opt-in.
For a full side-by-side of the two systems, see our BRS vs. High-3 comparison.
USMC career timing changes the retirement math
The Marine Corps promotes to senior enlisted grades faster than any other service. Median TIS at promotion to Sergeant Major and Master Gunnery Sergeant is the lowest in DoD — often 18-21 years. That compresses the High-36 window into fewer years at top pay vs Army/Navy peers. Marines hitting top grades early should consider extending past 20 to capture more time-in-grade longevity raises.
Worked examples
USMC E-7 retiring at 20 years, High-3 $60,000:
- High-36: 50% × $60,000 = $30,000/yr ($2,500/mo)
- BRS: 40% × $60,000 = $24,000/yr ($2,000/mo) + TSP from 5% match
The multiplier keeps climbing for an E-7 who stays past 20 years. High-36 pays 55% of High-3 at 22 years, 60% at 24 years, 65% at 26 years, and 70% at 28 years. BRS pays 44%, 48%, 52%, and 56% at those same milestones. Multiply the applicable percentage by your own High-3 average, which typically rises each year from base-pay longevity steps rather than staying flat at the $60,000 used in the 20-year example above.
USMC O-5 retiring at 22 years, High-3 $115,000:
- High-36: 55% × $115,000 = $63,250/yr
- BRS: 44% × $115,000 = $50,600/yr + TSP
Run scenarios with the military retirement calculator against the current USMC pay chart. For the full retired-pay chart across all ranks and years of service, see the 2026 military retirement pay chart.
BRS specifics
- 5% TSP match. 1% automatic + 4% match (contribute 5% to capture).
- Continuation Pay at 12 years. Multiple of monthly basic pay, set annually by USMC M&RA.
- Lump-sum option. 25% or 50% of discounted PV up front; reduced monthly pay until SS retirement age.
COLA, SBP, VA Disability
Retired pay receives annual CPI-W COLA. See the 2026 pay chart and dates page for the current COLA percentage and payment schedule. SBP at retirement: 6.5% premium, 55% to spouse — see SBP guide.
If you are wondering how retired pay and Social Security fit together as you age, see military retirement and Social Security.
VA disability transition: CRDP restores offset automatically at VA rating ≥50% (taxable); CRSC restores offset for combat-related at any rating (tax-free, application required). Marines with infantry, recon, MARSOC backgrounds frequently qualify for both. Use the CRSC/CRDP calculator and read concurrent receipt.
Buy-back and Reserve retirement
Marines can credit prior active duty, prior reserve time, and certain federal civilian service. Reserve points convert at a defined rate; federal civilian service requires a deposit.
Federal income tax applies to retired pay, and state treatment varies widely — see how retirement pay is taxed by state.
Reserve Marines: points-based, retired pay starts at age 60. Qualifying active service after Jan 28, 2008 reduces age-60 start by 90 days per 90 days served. Going through a divorce? USFSPA governs how a state court can divide retired pay.
Sources
DFAS Retired Military, USMC M&RA.