2024 Military Pay Rates: What You Need to Know
MILITARY BASE PAY
The increase in base pay for 2024 is 5.2%.
Military base pay is calculated by rank and time in service. The pay for new enlistees at an E-2 rank is $2,261.10/month. Monthly pay for an E-5 with 6 years is $3,601.80.
Due to continuing inflation, the military is seeing higher than historical raises in base pay. You should not assume this trend will continue when creating a forward-looking budget.
BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING (BAH)
Each year, adjustments are made to the housing allowance or BAH. The increase for this year averages 5.4%.
The new rate only applies to new soldiers assigned to that duty station unless the rate is higher. All currently assigned soldiers will be grandfathered into the old rate if the new rate is higher.
BAH is paid monthly and is a non-taxable benefit.
BAH Calculator (based on rank and zip code)
An E-5 assigned to Hunter AAF in Savannah receives a rate of $1,758 if single and $2,187 if married.
BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR SUBSISTENCE (BAS)
BAS (also known as the food allowance) is non-taxable and is not based on rank (other than officer vs enlisted) or dependents. The rates for 2024 are as follows:
Officers: $316.98
Enlisted: $460.25
OTHER ALLOWANCES
Other allowances for 2024 have remained largely unchanged.
Airborne: $150
Family Separation: $250 (payable after 30 days)
Imminent Danger Pay: $225
Hazardous Duty Pay: $150 (can be higher depending on activities)
Military Pay FAQs
Is there an additional increase in pay for married soldiers?
Many assume a soldier’s pay will increase if he gets married or has children. Base pay is only dependent on rank and time served.
A soldier is entitled to a family separation allowance if he is married or has kids. BAH is the other pay that is determined by the soldier’s marital or parental status.
When will new pay rates go into effect?
All new pay rates are effective as of January 1st.
When do I get paid?
Military paychecks are issued twice per month on the 1st and 15th.
