2027 Military Pay Raise, Proposed Military Pay Charts
How much will troops be paid in 2027? Will they pay the military pay increases approved for the coming fiscal year? At press time, the answer is we simply don’t know. Why?
Congress is gridlocked over the fiscal year 2027 military basic pay raise, which features two competing proposals. Those have not yet been reconciled, so multiple versions are still under consideration, as explained below. This is a developing story and will be updated.
2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts
The House of Representatives passed a plan adopting a tiered framework that concentrates larger pay increases among lower-ranking personnel, offering raises between 5% and 7%, depending on rank.
The Senate Armed Services Committee has rejected this targeted approach, suggesting a 3.6% pay increase for all ranks in the armed forces. Lawmakers cannot agree on compensation for junior troops, who traditionally face greater economic pressure, or on preserving traditional pay margins.
Because the House and the Senate passed conflicting versions of the National Defense Authorization Act, the two chambers must enter a formal reconciliation phase to negotiate a compromise version before sending a unified bill to the president for signature. That is why we can’t offer a definitive percentage for a military pay raise at press time. It’s not there to give.
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The House Version of the 2027 Military Pay Raise
The policy structures the 2027 pay raises into three specific groupings based on rank:
- A 7% increase is authorized for all enlisted personnel in pay grades E-1 through E-5, affecting over 600,000 active-duty personnel.
- A 6% increase is authorized for mid-grade enlisted personnel and junior officers in pay grades E-6 through O-3.
- A 5% increase is authorized for field-grade officers, senior leaders, and general officers in pay grades O-4 and above.
Troops in grades E-1 through E-4 often live in military barracks, which means they typically do not receive the Basic Allowance for Housing. when doing so. They may also be subject to mandatory use of dining facilities, which replaces the cash Basic Allowance for Subsistence in such cases.
The basic pay table provides minimal pay increases for junior troops. An E-2, for example, receives identical basic pay regardless of time in service, and E-3 or E-4 pay ceilings apply soon after joining. The idea behind this pay structure (for better or worse) is to encourage junior troops to seek promotion rather than stagnate at lower ranks.
Senate Counterproposal
The Senate Armed Services Committee voted 18-9 to advance its alternative version of the defense policy legislation, which authorizes a flat 3.6% pay raise for all ranks.
This corresponds to the Employment Cost Index, which the government uses to help calculate military pay raises. If Congress fails to pass an alternative spending measure, this 3.6% adjustment takes effect automatically.
Rejecting the House Version
The Senate’s rejection of the House proposal rests on two main arguments.
Senate lawmakers remind that Congress already enacted a targeted 14% pay increase for junior enlisted service members in 2025. Committee reports cite the 14th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation, which concluded that junior enlisted regular military compensation had already surpassed the 90th percentile of comparable civilian earnings even before the 14% raise.
Critics of the tiered plan argue that stacking a 7% raise on top of the recent 14% raise overshoots the Department of Defense’s own recommendations.
2026 and Proposed 2027 Military Pay Calculator
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House 2027 Military Proposed Pay Charts
These are for intended for infotainment purposes only.
E1 – E3 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (House)
| Pay Grade | E-1 | E-2 | E-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,036 |
| Over 2 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,226 |
| Over 3 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 4 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 6 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 8 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 10 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 12 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 14 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 16 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 18 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 20 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 22 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 24 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 26 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 28 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 30 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 32 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 34 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 36 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 38 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
| Over 40 | $2,575 | $2,887 | $3,422 |
E4 – E6 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (House)
| Pay Grade | E-4 | E-5 | E-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $3,362 | $3,577 | $3,606 |
| Over 2 | $3,534 | $3,851 | $3,968 |
| Over 3 | $3,726 | $4,040 | $4,142 |
| Over 4 | $3,915 | $4,222 | $4,313 |
| Over 6 | $4,083 | $4,397 | $4,490 |
| Over 8 | $4,083 | $4,600 | $4,890 |
| Over 10 | $4,083 | $4,704 | $5,045 |
| Over 12 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,347 |
| Over 14 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,439 |
| Over 16 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,505 |
| Over 18 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,584 |
| Over 20 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,584 |
| Over 22 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,584 |
| Over 24 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,584 |
| Over 26 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,584 |
| Over 28 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,584 |
| Over 30 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,584 |
| Over 32 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,584 |
| Over 34 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,584 |
| Over 36 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,584 |
| Over 38 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,584 |
| Over 40 | $4,083 | $4,732 | $5,584 |
E7 – E9 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (House)
| Pay Grade | E-7 | E-8 | E-9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $4,168 | $0 | $0 |
| Over 2 | $4,548 | $0 | $0 |
| Over 3 | $4,723 | $0 | $0 |
| Over 4 | $4,953 | $0 | $0 |
| Over 6 | $5,135 | $0 | $0 |
| Over 8 | $5,444 | $5,996 | $0 |
| Over 10 | $5,618 | $6,261 | $7,325 |
| Over 12 | $5,928 | $6,426 | $7,491 |
| Over 14 | $6,185 | $6,623 | $7,700 |
| Over 16 | $6,361 | $6,835 | $7,946 |
| Over 18 | $6,548 | $7,220 | $8,195 |
| Over 20 | $6,621 | $7,415 | $8,591 |
| Over 22 | $6,864 | $7,748 | $8,928 |
| Over 24 | $6,995 | $7,931 | $9,282 |
| Over 26 | $7,492 | $8,384 | $9,824 |
| Over 28 | $7,492 | $8,384 | $9,824 |
| Over 30 | $7,492 | $8,551 | $10,314 |
| Over 32 | $7,492 | $8,551 | $10,314 |
| Over 34 | $7,492 | $8,551 | $10,830 |
| Over 36 | $7,492 | $8,551 | $10,830 |
| Over 38 | $7,492 | $8,551 | $11,374 |
| Over 40 | $7,492 | $8,551 | $11,374 |
W1 – W3 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (House)
| Pay Grade | W-1 | W-2 | W-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $4,300 | $4,899 | $5,536 |
| Over 2 | $4,764 | $5,363 | $5,766 |
| Over 3 | $4,888 | $5,505 | $6,004 |
| Over 4 | $5,151 | $5,604 | $6,081 |
| Over 6 | $5,462 | $5,920 | $6,329 |
| Over 8 | $5,919 | $6,415 | $6,817 |
| Over 10 | $6,133 | $6,660 | $7,326 |
| Over 12 | $6,433 | $6,900 | $7,564 |
| Over 14 | $6,727 | $7,194 | $7,842 |
| Over 16 | $6,959 | $7,425 | $8,126 |
| Over 18 | $7,172 | $7,634 | $8,639 |
| Over 20 | $7,432 | $7,883 | $8,985 |
| Over 22 | $7,432 | $8,048 | $9,191 |
| Over 24 | $7,432 | $8,177 | $9,413 |
| Over 26 | $7,432 | $8,177 | $9,712 |
| Over 28 | $7,432 | $8,177 | $9,712 |
| Over 30 | $7,432 | $8,177 | $9,712 |
| Over 32 | $7,432 | $8,177 | $9,712 |
| Over 34 | $7,432 | $8,177 | $9,712 |
| Over 36 | $7,432 | $8,177 | $9,712 |
| Over 38 | $7,432 | $8,177 | $9,712 |
| Over 40 | $7,432 | $8,177 | $9,712 |
W4 – W5 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (House)
| Pay Grade | W-4 | W-5 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $6,062 | $0 |
| Over 2 | $6,521 | $0 |
| Over 3 | $6,709 | $0 |
| Over 4 | $6,892 | $0 |
| Over 6 | $7,210 | $0 |
| Over 8 | $7,524 | $0 |
| Over 10 | $7,842 | $0 |
| Over 12 | $8,319 | $0 |
| Over 14 | $8,739 | $0 |
| Over 16 | $9,137 | $0 |
| Over 18 | $9,465 | $0 |
| Over 20 | $9,783 | $10,779 |
| Over 22 | $10,250 | $11,327 |
| Over 24 | $10,634 | $11,734 |
| Over 26 | $11,072 | $12,185 |
| Over 28 | $11,072 | $12,185 |
| Over 30 | $11,293 | $12,795 |
| Over 32 | $11,293 | $12,795 |
| Over 34 | $11,293 | $13,433 |
| Over 36 | $11,293 | $13,433 |
| Over 38 | $11,293 | $14,106 |
| Over 40 | $11,293 | $14,106 |
O1 – O3 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (House)
| Pay Grade | O-1 | O-2 | O-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $4,399 | $5,069 | $5,866 |
| Over 2 | $4,579 | $5,773 | $6,650 |
| Over 3 | $5,536 | $6,649 | $7,177 |
| Over 4 | $5,536 | $6,874 | $7,826 |
| Over 6 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $8,201 |
| Over 8 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $8,613 |
| Over 10 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $8,878 |
| Over 12 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,315 |
| Over 14 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
| Over 16 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
| Over 18 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
| Over 20 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
| Over 22 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
| Over 24 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
| Over 26 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
| Over 28 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
| Over 30 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
| Over 32 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
| Over 34 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
| Over 36 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
| Over 38 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
| Over 40 | $5,536 | $7,015 | $9,544 |
O4 – O6 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (House)
| Pay Grade | O-4 | O-5 | O-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $6,609 | $7,660 | $9,189 |
| Over 2 | $7,651 | $8,629 | $10,094 |
| Over 3 | $8,162 | $9,226 | $10,757 |
| Over 4 | $8,275 | $9,339 | $10,757 |
| Over 6 | $8,749 | $9,712 | $10,799 |
| Over 8 | $9,257 | $9,934 | $11,261 |
| Over 10 | $9,891 | $10,425 | $11,323 |
| Over 12 | $10,383 | $10,785 | $11,323 |
| Over 14 | $10,725 | $11,251 | $11,966 |
| Over 16 | $10,922 | $11,961 | $13,104 |
| Over 18 | $11,035 | $12,299 | $13,771 |
| Over 20 | $11,035 | $12,634 | $14,439 |
| Over 22 | $11,035 | $13,015 | $14,819 |
| Over 24 | $11,035 | $13,015 | $15,203 |
| Over 26 | $11,035 | $13,015 | $15,948 |
| Over 28 | $11,035 | $13,015 | $15,948 |
| Over 30 | $11,035 | $13,015 | $16,179 |
| Over 32 | $11,035 | $13,015 | $16,179 |
| Over 34 | $11,035 | $13,015 | $16,179 |
| Over 36 | $11,035 | $13,015 | $16,179 |
| Over 38 | $11,035 | $13,015 | $16,179 |
| Over 40 | $11,035 | $13,015 | $16,179 |
O7 – O8 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (House)
| Pay Grade | O-7 | O-8 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $12,117 | $14,583 |
| Over 2 | $12,680 | $15,061 |
| Over 3 | $12,941 | $15,378 |
| Over 4 | $13,148 | $15,466 |
| Over 6 | $13,523 | $15,862 |
| Over 8 | $13,893 | $16,522 |
| Over 10 | $14,321 | $16,676 |
| Over 12 | $14,748 | $17,304 |
| Over 14 | $15,177 | $17,484 |
| Over 16 | $16,522 | $18,025 |
| Over 18 | $17,659 | $18,807 |
| Over 20 | $17,659 | $19,528 |
| Over 22 | $17,659 | $19,950 |
| Over 24 | $17,659 | $19,950 |
| Over 26 | $17,750 | $19,950 |
| Over 28 | $17,750 | $19,950 |
| Over 30 | $18,104 | $19,950 |
| Over 32 | $18,104 | $19,950 |
| Over 34 | $18,104 | $19,950 |
| Over 36 | $18,104 | $19,950 |
| Over 38 | $18,104 | $19,950 |
| Over 40 | $18,104 | $19,950 |
O9 – O10 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (House)
| Pay Grade | O-9 | O-10 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | - | - |
| Over 2 | - | - |
| Over 3 | - | - |
| Over 4 | - | - |
| Over 6 | - | - |
| Over 8 | - | - |
| Over 10 | - | - |
| Over 12 | - | - |
| Over 14 | - | - |
| Over 16 | - | - |
| Over 18 | - | - |
| Over 20 | $19,950 | $19,950 |
| Over 22 | $19,950 | $19,950 |
| Over 24 | $19,950 | $19,950 |
| Over 26 | $19,950 | $19,950 |
| Over 28 | $19,950 | $19,950 |
| Over 30 | $19,950 | $19,950 |
| Over 32 | $19,950 | $19,950 |
| Over 34 | $19,950 | $19,950 |
| Over 36 | $19,950 | $19,950 |
| Over 38 | $19,950 | $19,950 |
| Over 40 | $19,950 | $19,950 |
Senate 2027 Military Proposed Pay Charts
These are for intended for infotainment purposes only.
E1 – E3 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (Senate)
| Grade | E-1 | E-2 | E-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $2,494 | $2,795 | $2,939 |
| Over 2 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,124 |
| Over 3 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 4 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 6 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 8 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 10 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 12 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 14 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 16 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 18 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 20 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 22 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 24 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 26 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 28 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 30 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 32 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 34 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 36 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 38 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
| Over 40 | $2,494 | $2,795 | $3,313 |
E4 – E6 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (Senate)
| Grade | E-4 | E-5 | E-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $3,255 | $3,463 | $3,524 |
| Over 2 | $3,422 | $3,728 | $3,878 |
| Over 3 | $3,608 | $3,912 | $4,049 |
| Over 4 | $3,790 | $4,089 | $4,215 |
| Over 6 | $3,953 | $4,258 | $4,388 |
| Over 8 | $3,953 | $4,455 | $4,779 |
| Over 10 | $3,953 | $4,554 | $4,931 |
| Over 12 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,225 |
| Over 14 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,315 |
| Over 16 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,381 |
| Over 18 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,457 |
| Over 20 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,457 |
| Over 22 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,457 |
| Over 24 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,457 |
| Over 26 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,457 |
| Over 28 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,457 |
| Over 30 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,457 |
| Over 32 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,457 |
| Over 34 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,457 |
| Over 36 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,457 |
| Over 38 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,457 |
| Over 40 | $3,953 | $4,581 | $5,457 |
E7 – E9 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (Senate)
| Grade | E-7 | E-8 | E-9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $4,074 | - | - |
| Over 2 | $4,446 | - | - |
| Over 3 | $4,617 | - | - |
| Over 4 | $4,841 | - | - |
| Over 6 | $5,018 | - | - |
| Over 8 | $5,321 | $5,860 | - |
| Over 10 | $5,491 | $6,120 | $7,159 |
| Over 12 | $5,793 | $6,280 | $7,321 |
| Over 14 | $6,045 | $6,472 | $7,525 |
| Over 16 | $6,217 | $6,680 | $7,766 |
| Over 18 | $6,400 | $7,056 | $8,009 |
| Over 20 | $6,471 | $7,247 | $8,397 |
| Over 22 | $6,708 | $7,571 | $8,726 |
| Over 24 | $6,836 | $7,751 | $9,072 |
| Over 26 | $7,322 | $8,194 | $9,602 |
| Over 28 | $7,322 | $8,194 | $9,602 |
| Over 30 | $7,322 | $8,358 | $10,080 |
| Over 32 | $7,322 | $8,358 | $10,080 |
| Over 34 | $7,322 | $8,358 | $10,585 |
| Over 36 | $7,322 | $8,358 | $10,585 |
| Over 38 | $7,322 | $8,358 | $11,115 |
| Over 40 | $7,322 | $8,358 | $11,115 |
W1 – W3 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (Senate)
| Grade | W-1 | W-2 | W-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $4,203 | $4,788 | $5,411 |
| Over 2 | $4,655 | $5,241 | $5,636 |
| Over 3 | $4,777 | $5,380 | $5,868 |
| Over 4 | $5,034 | $5,476 | $5,943 |
| Over 6 | $5,338 | $5,786 | $6,186 |
| Over 8 | $5,785 | $6,269 | $6,663 |
| Over 10 | $5,994 | $6,509 | $7,159 |
| Over 12 | $6,288 | $6,744 | $7,393 |
| Over 14 | $6,575 | $7,032 | $7,664 |
| Over 16 | $6,801 | $7,257 | $7,942 |
| Over 18 | $7,010 | $7,461 | $8,444 |
| Over 20 | $7,262 | $7,705 | $8,782 |
| Over 22 | $7,262 | $7,865 | $8,984 |
| Over 24 | $7,262 | $7,992 | $9,199 |
| Over 26 | $7,262 | $7,992 | $9,492 |
| Over 28 | $7,262 | $7,992 | $9,492 |
| Over 30 | $7,262 | $7,992 | $9,492 |
| Over 32 | $7,262 | $7,992 | $9,492 |
| Over 34 | $7,262 | $7,992 | $9,492 |
| Over 36 | $7,262 | $7,992 | $9,492 |
| Over 38 | $7,262 | $7,992 | $9,492 |
| Over 40 | $7,262 | $7,992 | $9,492 |
W4 – W5 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (Senate)
| Grade | W-4 | W-5 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $5,926 | - |
| Over 2 | $6,374 | - |
| Over 3 | $6,556 | - |
| Over 4 | $6,736 | - |
| Over 6 | $7,047 | - |
| Over 8 | $7,354 | - |
| Over 10 | $7,664 | - |
| Over 12 | $8,131 | - |
| Over 14 | $8,540 | - |
| Over 16 | $8,930 | - |
| Over 18 | $9,250 | - |
| Over 20 | $9,561 | $10,536 |
| Over 22 | $10,018 | $11,070 |
| Over 24 | $10,393 | $11,469 |
| Over 26 | $10,821 | $11,909 |
| Over 28 | $10,821 | $11,909 |
| Over 30 | $11,037 | $12,505 |
| Over 32 | $11,037 | $12,505 |
| Over 34 | $11,037 | $13,130 |
| Over 36 | $11,037 | $13,130 |
| Over 38 | $11,037 | $13,787 |
| Over 40 | $11,037 | $13,787 |
O1 – O3 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (Senate)
| Grade | O-1 | O-2 | O-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $4,300 | $4,954 | $5,733 |
| Over 2 | $4,476 | $5,642 | $6,500 |
| Over 3 | $5,410 | $6,498 | $7,014 |
| Over 4 | $5,410 | $6,718 | $7,648 |
| Over 6 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $8,016 |
| Over 8 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $8,418 |
| Over 10 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $8,677 |
| Over 12 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,105 |
| Over 14 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
| Over 16 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
| Over 18 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
| Over 20 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
| Over 22 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
| Over 24 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
| Over 26 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
| Over 28 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
| Over 30 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
| Over 32 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
| Over 34 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
| Over 36 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
| Over 38 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
| Over 40 | $5,410 | $6,856 | $9,328 |
O4 – O6 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (Senate)
| Grade | O-4 | O-5 | O-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $6,521 | $7,558 | $9,066 |
| Over 2 | $7,549 | $8,514 | $9,960 |
| Over 3 | $8,053 | $9,103 | $10,614 |
| Over 4 | $8,165 | $9,214 | $10,614 |
| Over 6 | $8,632 | $9,583 | $10,655 |
| Over 8 | $9,134 | $9,802 | $11,111 |
| Over 10 | $9,759 | $10,286 | $11,172 |
| Over 12 | $10,244 | $10,641 | $11,172 |
| Over 14 | $10,582 | $11,101 | $11,807 |
| Over 16 | $10,776 | $11,801 | $12,929 |
| Over 18 | $10,888 | $12,135 | $13,588 |
| Over 20 | $10,888 | $12,466 | $14,246 |
| Over 22 | $10,888 | $12,841 | $14,621 |
| Over 24 | $10,888 | $12,841 | $15,000 |
| Over 26 | $10,888 | $12,841 | $15,735 |
| Over 28 | $10,888 | $12,841 | $15,735 |
| Over 30 | $10,888 | $12,841 | $15,963 |
| Over 32 | $10,888 | $12,841 | $15,963 |
| Over 34 | $10,888 | $12,841 | $15,963 |
| Over 36 | $10,888 | $12,841 | $15,963 |
| Over 38 | $10,888 | $12,841 | $15,963 |
| Over 40 | $10,888 | $12,841 | $15,963 |
O7 – O8 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (Senate)
| Grade | O-7 | O-8 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $11,956 | $14,388 |
| Over 2 | $12,511 | $14,860 |
| Over 3 | $12,768 | $15,173 |
| Over 4 | $12,973 | $15,260 |
| Over 6 | $13,342 | $15,650 |
| Over 8 | $13,708 | $16,302 |
| Over 10 | $14,130 | $16,454 |
| Over 12 | $14,551 | $17,073 |
| Over 14 | $14,975 | $17,251 |
| Over 16 | $16,302 | $17,785 |
| Over 18 | $17,423 | $18,557 |
| Over 20 | $17,423 | $19,268 |
| Over 22 | $17,423 | $19,684 |
| Over 24 | $17,423 | $19,684 |
| Over 26 | $17,513 | $19,684 |
| Over 28 | $17,513 | $19,684 |
| Over 30 | $17,863 | $19,684 |
| Over 32 | $17,863 | $19,684 |
| Over 34 | $17,863 | $19,684 |
| Over 36 | $17,863 | $19,684 |
| Over 38 | $17,863 | $19,684 |
| Over 40 | $17,863 | $19,684 |
O9 – O10 2027 Proposed Military Pay Charts (Senate)
| Grade | O-9 | O-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Over 20 | $19,684 | $19,684 |
| Over 22 | $19,684 | $19,684 |
| Over 24 | $19,684 | $19,684 |
| Over 26 | $19,684 | $19,684 |
| Over 28 | $19,684 | $19,684 |
| Over 30 | $19,684 | $19,684 |
| Over 32 | $19,684 | $19,684 |
| Over 34 | $19,684 | $19,684 |
| Over 36 | $19,684 | $19,684 |
| Over 38 | $19,684 | $19,684 |
| Over 40 | $19,684 | $19,684 |
Military Pay Compression
The Senate committee expressed concern regarding pay compression. When lower-ranking employees receive disproportionately higher percentage raises than senior-ranking employees, the pay gap between pay grades narrows.
Opting for the flat 3.6% raise yields an estimated $2.3 billion in savings compared to the House plan. The Senate chooses to redirect these funds entirely into broader quality-of-life lines within the defense topline. The Senate plan allocates the money saved for infrastructure, health, and family programs.
Pension and TSP Consequences
For those in the military’s High-3 retirement system or the Blended Retirement System, military pensions use the average of the highest 36 months of basic pay. A larger raise shifts the baseline of that calculation. For instance, an E-7 who reaches 20 years of service and retires under the House’s 6% tier would secure a higher baseline than under the Senate’s 3.6% plan.
The Blended Retirement System requires the federal government to match service member contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan up to 5% of base pay. Because the matching contribution is a direct percentage of base pay, any change to the base pay table increases the matching cash deposited by the government. A higher percentage raise directly increases the government’s matching contribution.
Next Steps for the NDAA
There are multiple outcomes possible for the final 2027 military pay raise. One version? The tiered pay increase could survive reconciliation intact. Another possibility?
Lawmakers could compromise on a higher flat rate, such as a uniform 4.5% or 5% raise for all ranks. And negotiations could stall entirely before it is finalized and sent to the president’s desk for signature or veto.
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About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
