The Biden administration’s FY 2023 budget and the Democrat controlled Congress’ National Defense Authorization Act (which sets the basis for the Defense budget) both recommended a 4.6% pay raise for military workers in 2023 (vs. 2.7% in 2022).
[Dec 2023 update] The 4.6% armed services pay raise has now been confirmed following passage of the 2023 omnibus bill. The updated pay chart (see below) and 11% housing allowance adjustments are detailed below.
While the 4.6% basic pay raise is the largest raise in nearly 20 years, it is still well below current inflation levels and the 2023 COLA. Government employees on the GS pay scale are also getting a similar pay raise in 2023.
Final 2023 Military Pay Chart
Below are 2023 military pay charts based on the 4.6% raise. This pay scale covers active duty members (Officers and Enlisted) of the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
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The base pay tables for the current and recent years are shown in this article and are provided by pay grade (O, W and E levels) and years of service (above and below 20).
Military compensation, which includes base pay and allowances is reviewed annually and adjusted for inflation by Congressional action (via the National Defense Authorization Act), with Presidential recommendations factored into the final determination.
The basic pay charts do not include allowances like the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) – which were both raised by 11% in 2023. This record increase was instituted to offset the higher costs of food prices and rental accommodation.
Once final pay tables are released by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service I will update the pay charts if needed.
The higher pay levels will be reflected in armed service member salaries after January 1st, 2023 (Jan 13th paycheck).
2022 Military Pay Charts
Congress has now approved the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22 NDAA), which confirmed a 2.7 percent pay increase for active members of the armed forces.
It also established a $15 minimum wage for covered service and construction contracts.
You can see the final 2022 Monthly Basic Pay charts (source: DoD) reflecting the 2.7% raise from January 1st, 2022.
2021 Military Pay Charts
[Updated following passage of the National Defense act] The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act was passed with a veto proof majority by Congress confirming a 2021 military pay increase of 3.0% in line with latest COLA increase. Updated tables shown below broken up years of service (greater and less than 20 yrs)
2021 Military Pay Chart For Less Than 20 Yrs Service
2021 Military Pay Chart for GREATER than 20 Yrs of Service
2020 Military Pay Chart and Tables – Reflecting a 3.1% increase
Military staff and troops under the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This is the largest increase since 2010. The updated basic pay tables reflect this across the board raise and will be effective from January 2020.
2020 Military Pay Chart and Tables – for GREATER than 20 Yrs of Service
2019 and Prior Years Officer, Enlisted and Warrant Pay Tables
[2018 update] In his first year of office President Trump approved a 2.4% pay raise for Military staff and troops under the Fiscal 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This is the largest annual increase service members have received since 2010.The updated basic pay tables reflect this across the board raise effective from January 2018.
Unlike the relatively large pay raise for troops, the 2018 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) only had a modest 0.7% increase (or approximately $10 p/month). This is paid to the nearly 1 million service members living off base in the U.S.
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[2017 update] Armed serviced members in 2017 will at minimum see a 2.1 percent increase in base pay following broad Congressional approval of the Defense Authorization bill.
Both the House and Senate passed the bill that will be approved by the President. The 2017 raise is 0.5% higher than the original 1.6% approved by the House earlier in the year and was driven by the faster growth in private sector pay as economic conditions improve.
The latest raise is reflected in the 2017 basic pay tables below, which are effective January 1st.
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[2016 updated rates following 1.3% raise] With the powers that be finally reaching a consensus and presidential decree (i.e executive order) likely to come down before year end, our armed services members can expect a 1.3% raise to 2016 basic pay amounts.
This is less than expected but at least better than nothing in a relatively benign inflation environment. Will publish any updates, if applicable, once released by DFAS
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This is good information to know.
This is an interesting website for single mothers raising children of men in the military who are paying child support and some in the rear and paying the minimum amount possible.
You are a single mother because you chose to be one. Stop being a loser you were “strong and independent and chose to do it on your own” so do it. Stop watching the pockets of individuals that actually contribute to society
Any further update on when the 2012 Military Pay Scales will be finalized? Based on what I am reading the 1.6% may be at risk and more like a 1% pay rise will be approved as part of the debt reduction deal.