This year’s military pay chart shows a 3% increase in military basic pay. This builds on last years 3.1% increase. Here’s a breakdown of exactly what that means for you and your family with the proposed 2021 military pay.
These pay rates were approved through the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, commonly referred to as the Defense Budget.
The following are the new Basic Pay Rates for all service members. Basic pay does not include common entitlements like Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) or Basic Allowance for Sustenance (BAS).
2021 Military Pay Scale (2 OR LESS to OVER 8)
Projected 3% Increase
(Over 10 to Over 20)
Projected 3% Increase
(Over 22 to Over 32)
Projected 3% Increase
2021 Military Pay Scale (Over 34 to Over 40)
Projected 3% Increase
E pay scale is Enlisted, W scale is Warrant Officer, O scale is Commissioned Officer.
Enlisted Pay Notes
4. For the Sergeant Major of the Army Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, or Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, or Senior Enlisted Advisor of the JCS, basic pay for 2020 is $8,844.30. We will update this cap for 2021 when the DoD announces the final numbers.
Officer Pay Notes
General Officer Pay Limits: Basic pay is limited to the rate of basic pay for level II of the Executive Schedule in effect during the calendar year 2020, which is $16,441.80 per month for officers at pay grades O-7 through O-10. This includes officers serving as Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Army, Chief of Naval Operations, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Commandant of the Marine Corps, Commandant of the Coast Guard, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, or commander of a unified or specified combatant command (as defined in 10 U.S.C. 161(c)). We will update this cap for 2021 when the DoD announces the final numbers.
Pay Limits for O-6: Basic pay for O-6 and below is limited by Level V of the Executive Schedule in effect during Calendar Year 2020 which is: $13,341.60. We will update this cap for 2021 when the DoD announces the final numbers.
Combat Zone Tax Exclusion Pay for Officers: The Combat Zone Tax Exclusion for O-1 and above is based on the basic pay rate shown in note 3 plus Hostile Fire Pay/Imminent Danger Pay which is $225.00 per month (prorated).
Academy Cadets & ROTC Basic Pay: Basic pay rate for Academy Cadets/Midshipmen and ROTC members/applicants is $1,087.80.
The military pay charts for the proposed 2021 military pay are for all U.S. Armed Forces personnel Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Space Force and Reserves forces where applicable. Also, be sure to know your military pay dates.
Figures and notes courtesy of Military Benefits and Military Wallet.
