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As we approach a new year, military service members across the ranks are eagerly awaiting updates on their 2025 military pay increase.
In this article, you’ll find the projected 2025 military pay chart for officers, enlisted, prior enlisted, warrant officers, and other special categories by pay grade and years of service.
With inflation, possible Fed rate cuts, and cost-of-living adjustments as hot topics, it’s crucial for those in uniform to stay informed about what they can expect in their paychecks next year.
Fellow service members: the estimates are here, and it looks like some significant pay raises are on the horizon.
But there’s still a bit of debate happening in Congress on exactly how much you’ll be taking home in CY 2025.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Military pay increases for 2025 are projected to be 4.5% for troops ranked E-4 and above, and 5.5% for enlisted members ranked E-3 and below. The new 2025 military pay rates will be payable starting January 2025.
- The President’s 2025 budget proposes a 4.5% across-the-board pay raise for all military members, aligning with inflation and cost-of-living adjustments.
- The House-passed bill (H.R. 8070) suggests a 15% pay raise for ranks E-1 through E-4 and a 7% raise for E-5 service members with less than 10 years of service.
- The Senate’s bill (S. 4638) offers a more modest 1% pay raise for lower enlisted ranks (E-1 to E-3), reflecting a restrained fiscal approach.
What is the 2025 Military Pay Increase?
Based on current estimates, here’s what you can expect for 2025:
- 4.5% pay raise is projected for all troops ranked E-4 and above, including officers.
- 5.5% pay raise is anticipated for enlisted service members, ranked E-3 and below.
While these increases will certainly provide a welcome boost, it’s important to note that there’s still a bit of a political tug-of-war happening behind the scenes.
Let’s dig into the specifics along with the new 2025 military pay chart by grade and years of service.
Projected Military Pay Chart 2025
Here’s your 2025 Military Pay Chart with the estimated 4.5% pay raise for all troops ranked E-4 and above, including officers, and the estimated 5.5% pay raise for enlisted members ranked E-3 and below.
*Disclaimer: these are estimates and subject to change based on the final 2025 NDAA.
Commissioned Officers
| Grade & Years of Service | <2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-10 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 |
| O-9 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $18,910.32 | $19,183.38 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 | $19,323.83 |
| O-8 | $13,379.87 | $13,818.77 | $14,109.38 | $14,190.26 | $14,553.61 | $15,159.29 | $15,300.68 | $15,876.27 | $16,042.11 | $16,538.07 | $17,255.98 | $17,917.15 | $18,359.19 | $18,359.19 | $18,359.19 | $18,359.19 | $18,818.78 | $18,818.78 | $19,288.71 | $19,288.71 | $19,288.71 | $19,288.71 |
| O-7 | $11,117.65 | $11,633.99 | $11,873.19 | $12,063.48 | $12,407.08 | $12,747.22 | $13,140.04 | $13,531.60 | $13,925.04 | $15,159.29 | $16,201.99 | $16,201.99 | $16,201.99 | $16,201.99 | $16,285.38 | $16,285.38 | $16,611.11 | $16,611.11 | $16,611.11 | $16,611.11 | $16,611.11 | $16,611.11 |
| O-6 | $8,430.96 | $9,262.04 | $9,869.92 | $9,869.92 | $9,907.85 | $10,332.33 | $10,388.76 | $10,388.76 | $10,979.08 | $12,022.73 | $12,635.30 | $13,247.57 | $13,596.18 | $13,949.18 | $14,632.93 | $14,632.93 | $14,925.11 | $14,925.11 | $14,925.11 | $14,925.11 | $14,925.11 | $14,925.11 |
| O-5 | $7,028.36 | $7,917.44 | $8,465.44 | $8,568.58 | $8,910.92 | $9,115.01 | $9,564.89 | $9,895.94 | $10,322.61 | $10,974.38 | $11,285.06 | $11,592.29 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 | $11,940.90 |
| O-4 | $6,064.34 | $7,019.58 | $7,488.89 | $7,592.34 | $8,027.17 | $8,493.66 | $9,074.88 | $9,526.32 | $9,840.45 | $10,021.03 | $10,125.11 | $10,125.11 | $10,125.11 | $10,125.11 | $10,125.11 | $10,125.11 | $10,125.11 | $10,125.11 | $10,125.11 | $10,125.11 | $10,125.11 | $10,125.11 |
| O-3 | $5,331.69 | $6,043.97 | $6,522.68 | $7,112.37 | $7,453.78 | $7,827.78 | $8,069.18 | $8,466.69 | $8,674.55 | $8,674.55 | $8,674.55 | $8,674.55 | $8,674.55 | $8,674.55 | $8,674.55 | $8,674.55 | $8,674.55 | $8,674.55 | $8,674.55 | $8,674.55 | $8,674.55 | $8,674.55 |
| O-2 | $4,606.88 | $5,246.74 | $6,043.03 | $6,247.11 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 | $6,375.34 |
| O-1 | $3,998.38 | $4,162.03 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 | $5,031.36 |
Enlisted Members
| Grade & Years of Service | <2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-9 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $6,657.17 | $6,807.97 | $6,997.95 | $7,221.47 | $7,447.82 | $7,808.34 | $8,114.63 | $8,435.97 | $8,928.48 | $8,928.48 | $9,373.96 | $9,373.96 | $9,843.27 | $9,843.27 | $10,336.41 | $10,336.41 |
| E-8 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $5,449.57 | $5,690.65 | $5,839.88 | $6,018.57 | $6,212.00 | $6,561.87 | $6,739.31 | $7,040.58 | $7,207.68 | $7,619.30 | $7,619.30 | $7,771.98 | $7,771.98 | $7,771.98 | $7,771.98 | $7,771.98 | $7,771.98 |
| E-7 | $3,788.02 | $4,134.44 | $4,293.07 | $4,502.17 | $4,666.45 | $4,947.66 | $5,106.29 | $5,387.18 | $5,621.37 | $5,781.25 | $5,951.17 | $6,017.01 | $6,238.34 | $6,356.84 | $6,808.91 | $6,808.91 | $6,808.91 | $6,808.91 | $6,808.91 | $6,808.91 | $6,808.91 | $6,808.91 |
| E-6 | $3,276.70 | $3,605.88 | $3,765.14 | $3,919.69 | $4,080.52 | $4,443.86 | $4,585.25 | $4,858.94 | $4,942.64 | $5,003.46 | $5,074.94 | $5,074.94 | $5,074.94 | $5,074.94 | $5,074.94 | $5,074.94 | $5,074.94 | $5,074.94 | $5,074.94 | $5,074.94 | $5,074.94 | $5,074.94 |
| E-5 | $3,001.45 | $3,203.66 | $3,358.84 | $3,517.16 | $3,763.88 | $4,021.89 | $4,234.44 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 | $4,259.84 |
| E-4 | $2,752.22 | $2,892.98 | $3,049.73 | $3,204.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 | $3,341.28 |
| E-3 | $2,508.26 | $2,665.88 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 | $2,827.61 |
| E-2 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 | $2,385.46 |
| E-1 >4 Mon | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 | $2,128.15 |
| E-1 <4 Mon | $1,967.68 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Prior Enlisted Officers
| Grade & Years of Service | <2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-3E | N/A | N/A | N/A | $7,112.37 | $7,453.78 | $7,827.78 | $8,069.18 | $8,466.69 | $8,802.45 | $8,995.26 | $9,257.66 | $9,257.66 | $9,257.66 | $9,257.66 | $9,257.66 | $9,257.66 | $9,257.66 | $9,257.66 | $9,257.66 | $9,257.66 | $9,257.66 | $9,257.66 |
| O-2E | N/A | N/A | N/A | $6,247.11 | $6,375.34 | $6,578.17 | $6,920.83 | $7,186.05 | $7,382.93 | $7,382.93 | $7,382.93 | $7,382.93 | $7,382.93 | $7,382.93 | $7,382.93 | $7,382.93 | $7,382.93 | $7,382.93 | $7,382.93 | $7,382.93 | $7,382.93 | $7,382.93 |
| O-1E | N/A | N/A | N/A | $5,031.36 | $5,372.45 | $5,571.21 | $5,774.36 | $5,973.74 | $6,247.11 | $6,247.11 | $6,247.11 | $6,247.11 | $6,247.11 | $6,247.11 | $6,247.11 | $6,247.11 | $6,247.11 | $6,247.11 | $6,247.11 | $6,247.11 | $6,247.11 | $6,247.11 |
Warrant Officers
| Grade & Years of Service | <2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-5 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $9,797.50 | $10,294.40 | $10,664.96 | $11,074.07 | $11,074.07 | $11,628.97 | $11,628.97 | $12,209.26 | $12,209.26 | $12,821.21 | $12,821.21 |
| W-4 | $5,510.39 | $5,926.72 | $6,096.95 | $6,264.36 | $6,552.78 | $6,838.06 | $7,127.11 | $7,560.99 | $7,941.90 | $8,304.30 | $8,601.50 | $8,891.17 | $9,315.65 | $9,664.89 | $10,063.04 | $10,063.04 | $10,263.68 | $10,263.68 | $10,263.68 | $10,263.68 | $10,263.68 | $10,263.68 |
| W-3 | $5,032.30 | $5,241.41 | $5,457.09 | $5,527.01 | $5,752.10 | $6,195.70 | $6,657.49 | $6,875.06 | $7,126.80 | $7,385.43 | $7,851.92 | $8,166.36 | $8,354.46 | $8,554.47 | $8,827.22 | $8,827.22 | $8,827.22 | $8,827.22 | $8,827.22 | $8,827.22 | $8,827.22 | $8,827.22 |
| W-2 | $4,452.64 | $4,873.67 | $5,003.15 | $5,092.49 | $5,380.91 | $5,829.53 | $6,052.43 | $6,271.25 | $6,538.98 | $6,748.40 | $6,937.76 | $7,164.73 | $7,313.64 | $7,431.83 | $7,431.83 | $7,431.83 | $7,431.83 | $7,431.83 | $7,431.83 | $7,431.83 | $7,431.83 | $7,431.83 |
| W-1 | $3,908.09 | $4,329.44 | $4,441.98 | $4,681.18 | $4,963.65 | $5,379.97 | $5,574.34 | $5,847.09 | $6,114.19 | $6,324.55 | $6,518.29 | $6,753.73 | $6,753.73 | $6,753.73 | $6,753.73 | $6,753.73 | $6,753.73 | $6,753.73 | $6,753.73 | $6,753.73 | $6,753.73 | $6,753.73 |
Special Categories & Cadet Status
- C/S (Chief of Staff): $19,323.83
- M/S (Master Sergeant): $10,758.07
- Cadet: $1,413.17
Three Competing Proposals for a Military Pay Increase in 2025
As of now, there are three key proposals on the table for military pay raises in 2025.
Each comes from a different branch of government, with varying levels of support.
Let’s take a closer look:
#1. President’s Budget: 4.5% Pay Increase for All Troops
The President’s budget for 2025 proposes a 4.5% across-the-board pay raise for all military service members, regardless of rank or years of service.
This proposal sticks to the statutory formula, a tried-and-true method for determining military pay raises, factoring in things like inflation, cost of living, and other economic indicators.
This is the standard, steady approach designed to keep up with rising expenses.
#2. House-Passed Bill (H.R. 8070): A Game-Changer for Lower Ranks
The House of Representatives bill via H.R. 8070 has taken a bolder approach with their proposal.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 15% pay increase for E-1 through E-4: This is big news for our lower enlisted ranks. The Quality of Life (QOL) Panel has recommended a substantial 15% pay boost for service members in the E-1 to E-4 pay grades. This includes: E-1, E-2, E-3, and E-4.
This move aims to address the financial strains that many junior enlisted service members face, especially as the cost of living continues to increase across the country.
- 7% pay increase for E-5s: In addition to the raise for E-1 to E-4, the House proposal includes a 7% pay increase for E-5 service members with less than 10 years of service. This pay bump would apply to E-5s with under 10 years of service.
The House’s focus on junior and mid-level enlisted ranks could lead to a much-needed financial boost for those serving on the front lines.
#3. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)-Reported Bill (S. 4638): A More Modest Approach
The Senate bill via S. 4638 is taking a different approach with a more conservative pay raise proposal:
- 1% pay raise for E-1 through E-3: The Senate’s bill only authorizes a 1% pay increase for the lower enlisted ranks, which includes E-1 to E-3. While this is a far cry from the House’s proposed 15%, it reflects a more restrained fiscal outlook.
What’s Next?
With three different proposals on the table, the final decision will come down to negotiations between the House, Senate, and the President.
This means there could be further changes, especially as military pay increases become a key point of discussion in the coming months.
Here’s what you can do to stay prepared:
- Track current legislation: Stay informed on which proposals gain traction in Congress. If the House proposal passes, lower-ranking service members will see a much bigger jump in pay. We envision a negotiation between the House and Senate bills before the end of 2024.
- Understand your pay grade: Know where you fall in the pay scale. Whether you’re an E-1 fresh out of boot camp or an E-5 with a few years under your belt, these proposed increases could significantly impact your monthly income.
- Plan ahead: While we’re still waiting for the final figures, it’s a good idea to start thinking about how you’ll adjust your budget to reflect a potential pay increase.
Conclusion & Wrap-Up
As always, pay raises for service members are a critical part of maintaining morale, financial security, and readiness in our armed forces.
The proposed pay raises for 2025 offer some relief, particularly for those in the lower enlisted ranks who may be feeling the pinch of rising costs.
However, it’s clear that the final decision will depend on continued negotiations and political debate.
So, keep an eye on these developments, stay informed, and be ready to adjust to whatever comes next.
Your service is invaluable, and every dollar counts when it comes to taking care of your family and planning for the future.
2025 Military Pay Raise: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the 2025 Military Pay Increase?
The 2025 military pay raise is estimated to be 4.5% for troops ranked E-4 and above, including officers, and 5.5% for enlisted service members ranked E-3 and below. This raise reflects adjustments for inflation and the rising cost of living, helping to ensure service members’ financial stability in the coming year.
How is the military pay raise determined?
Military pay raises are determined through a collaborative process that involves the Department of Defense proposing budgeted increases based on factors like cost-of-living adjustments tied to economic indicators such as the Employment Cost Index, and the need to remain competitive for retention and recruitment. These proposals are then reviewed and adjusted by Congress, which considers budgetary constraints, inflation rates, and overall economic conditions before approving the increases through legislation, typically as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Will the pay raise apply to all military personnel?
Yes, the proposed 2025 pay raise applies to all active-duty military personnel. However, the percentage of the increase varies based on rank. Troops ranked E-4 and above could see a 4.5% raise, while those ranked E-3 and below are projected to receive a 5.5% raise.
Are there any competing proposals for the 2025 military pay raise?
Yes, there are currently three competing proposals. The President’s budget suggests a 4.5% raise across the board, while the House has proposed a 15% raise for E-1 through E-4 and a 7% raise for E-5. The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) has proposed a more modest 1% raise for E-1 through E-3.
How will the House and Senate proposals affect military pay?
The House proposal could significantly boost pay for lower enlisted ranks, offering a 15% raise for E-1 through E-4 and a 7% raise for E-5. In contrast, the Senate’s bill offers only a 1% increase for E-1 through E-3, which would result in much smaller pay boosts for lower-ranked service members.
When will the final decision on the 2025 military pay raise be made?
The final decision on the 2025 military pay raise will come after negotiations between the House, Senate, and the President. These discussions are expected to take place in the fall/winter of 2024, and the final pay structure will be announced before the year’s end. The new 2025 military pay rates will be payable starting January 2025.
How can I calculate my new pay for 2025?
To calculate your new pay for 2025, you can start with your current base pay and apply the proposed percentage increase based on your rank. For example, if you’re an E-4 or above, multiply your current pay by 1.045 to estimate your 2025 salary. If you’re an E-3 or below, multiply your current pay by 1.055 to estimate your 2025 salary.
Why is the pay raise for lower enlisted ranks higher than for others?
The higher pay raise for enlisted members ranked E-3 and below is intended to address financial challenges faced by junior service members. Many in the lower ranks struggle with the rising cost of living, and a larger pay increase helps to ease these burdens and improve quality of life for junior troops.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
