Complete Guide to Military Pay and Allowances

Understanding every component of your military paycheck

Your military paycheck is more than just base pay. Understanding all the components helps you budget, plan, and maximize your compensation.

Base Pay

The foundation of military compensation, based on rank and years of service. Updated annually with federal pay raises.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)

Tax-free allowance for housing costs, varying by location, rank, and dependent status. Use our BAH Differential Calculator to compare locations.

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)

Monthly food allowance:

• Officers: ~$316/month
• Enlisted: ~$460/month

Special and Incentive Pays

• Flight Pay: $150-$840/month for aircrew
• Sea Pay: $50-$750/month for shipboard duty
• Combat Pay: $225/month in designated zones
• Jump Pay: $150-$225/month for parachute duty
• Hardship Duty Pay: $50-$150/month for difficult locations

Cost-of-Living Allowances

• CONUS COLA: High-cost areas in the US
• OCONUS COLA: Overseas locations
• Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA): Instead of BAH overseas

Tax Advantages

Military pay has unique tax benefits:

• BAH and BAS are tax-free
• Combat zone pay is tax-free
• Some moving expenses are deductible