Military Pay
2025 Military Pay Charts
Military members saw a 4.5% increase in 2025, with junior enlisted members seeing an additional 10% boost in the spring to bring the raise to roughly 14.5%.
If you’re actively serving the military, you received a 2.4% increase in your Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) in 2026. The increase accompanied a nationwide average Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) increase of 4.2%, and a 3.8% boost in military pay this year.
Key Takeaways
- BAS rates saw a 2.4% in 2026
- The monthly amount of the tax-free allowance saw its 4th-highest year-over-year increase since 2015
- Enlisted servicemembers saw a roughly $11 monthly increase, or an additional $132 annually.
2026 BAS Charts
| Officers | Enlisted | BAS II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Rates | $320.78 | $465.77 | $931.54 |
| 2026 Rates | $328.48 | $476.95 | $953.90 |
What is the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)?
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) helps cover your grocery expenses as a servicemember. Each year, the Department of Defense calculates BAS rates to keep pace with rising food costs driven by inflation.
BAS does not work like a payment card you swipe at the store or a restaurant. You receive it as part of your pay, and it partially offsets what you spend on food, depending on where you live and shop.
If you are stationed in an area with higher grocery and meal costs, you may also qualify for a cost-of-living allowance to help make up the difference.
Is BAS Taxable?
BAS and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) are both non-taxable, which means you do not report them as income on your tax return. That keeps more money in your pocket and ensures these benefits work as intended.
What is BAS II?
Basic Allowance for Subsistence II (BAS II) provides extra food support if you live in single or unaccompanied quarters without access to government meals. It is designed specifically for service members who PCS to an unaccompanied assignment.
BAS II pays twice the standard enlisted BAS rate, but it is not automatic. You must receive authorization from the Secretary of the Military Department to qualify.
BAS Restrictions
BAS is intended for servicemembers who are actively serving, so certain situations can disqualify you from receiving it. You are not eligible for BAS if you are:
- Attending basic training or officer training (one exception applies: officers in training with continuous prior enlisted service may still qualify)
- On excess leave or educational leave
- Absent without official leave (AWOL)
History of BAS Rates for Military Members
| Year | Proposed Increase | Actual Increase | Enlisted Rate | Officer Rate | BAS II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | N/A | 2.4% | $476.95 | $328.48 | $953.90 |
| 2025 | N/A | 1.2% | $465.77 | $320.78 | $931.54 |
| 2024 | 3.40% | TBD | $460.25 | $316.98 | $920.50 |
| 2023 | 3.20% | 11.20% | $452.56 | $311.68 | $905.12 |
| 2022 | 5.30% | 5.30% | $406.98 | $280.29 | $813.96 |
| 2021 | 3.30% | 3.70% | $386.50 | $266.18 | $773.00 |
| 2020 | 2.40% | 0.90% | $372.71 | $256.68 | $745.42 |
| 2019 | 3.40% | 0% | $369.39 | $254.39 | $738.78 |
| 2018 | 3.40% | 0.3% | $369.39 | $254.39 | $738.78 |
| 2017 | 3.40% | 0% | $368.29 | $253.63 | $738.78 |
| 2016 | 3.40% | 0.1% | $368.29 | $253.63 | $736.58 |
| 2015 | 3.40% | 2.90% | $367.92 | $253.38 | $735.84 |
| 2014 | 3.40% | 1.48% | $357.55 | $246.24 | $715.10 |
| 2013 | 3.40% | 1.09% | $352.27 | $242.60 | $704.54 |
| 2012 | 3.40% | 7.20% | $348.44 | $239.96 | $696.88 |
Calculating BAS
BAS rates are calculated similarly to Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates, using data on changes in grocery prices over the past year.
The USDA’s Economic Research Service tracks these shifts through its monthly Food Price Outlook. Overall, food prices rose 2.3% in 2024 and 2.9% in 2025, a slower pace than the surge seen from 2020 to 2023. Looking ahead, the USDA projects that overall food prices will increase 3.1% in 2026, with grocery store prices expected to rise 2.5% and restaurant prices to climb 3.7%. Those food cost trends directly influence how BAS is adjusted each year.
Final Points
BAS rates in 2026 will increase a decent amount. I say decent, because predicting BAS jumps is somewhat tricky. Historically, the White House has requested 3% increases and saw a 5-10% boost. In other years, those requests were met with a 0-2% increase from Congress.
So, a 2.4% increase, as mentioned before, is the 4th-highest rate increase in the last decade. So, it just means more tax-free money coming into your bank account each month.
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Jon Rehagan is a 2-time Emmy Award-winning journalist who covers financial topics and military news for the veteran community. With 16 years in broadcast media (including roles in radio and television) Jon has spent his career writing, shooting, editing, and producing everything from long-form investigative specials to daily news broadcasts and digital content. His work has been recognized by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, and he brings that same commitment to accurate, accessible reporting to helping service members, veterans, and military families navigate complex benefits and financial decisions.
