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%.
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates in Washington, D.C., increased for 2026. The national average increased by 4.2%, while D.C. duty stations received a similar increase.
Below are the local BAH rates charts for Military Housing Areas in Washington, D.C. The Department of Defense (also known as the Department of War) determines BAH rates by location, pay grade (rank), and whether a servicemember has dependents.
See 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates here.
WASHINGTON, DC METRO AREA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: DC053
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $3,096 | $2,409 |
| E02 | $3,096 | $2,409 |
| E03 | $3,096 | $2,409 |
| E04 | $3,096 | $2,409 |
| E05 | $3,132 | $2,832 |
| E06 | $3,759 | $3,057 |
| E07 | $3,855 | $3,099 |
| E08 | $3,957 | $3,261 |
| E09 | $4,128 | $3,447 |
| W01 | $3,780 | $3,096 |
| W02 | $3,894 | $3,258 |
| W03 | $4,023 | $3,471 |
| W04 | $4,167 | $3,777 |
| W05 | $4,350 | $3,876 |
| O01E | $3,870 | $3,129 |
| O02E | $4,002 | $3,405 |
| O03E | $4,197 | $3,753 |
| O01 | $3,213 | $3,054 |
| O02 | $3,753 | $3,126 |
| O03 | $4,020 | $3,531 |
| O04 | $4,410 | $3,855 |
| O05 | $4,692 | $3,909 |
| O06 | $4,731 | $3,999 |
| O07 | $4,770 | $4,071 |
Approximately half of the U.S. counties (around 1,500) have a minimal to no military presence. While half the ZIP codes are significant, less than 2% of service members who are eligible for BAH reside in these counties. To account for these servicemembers, approximately 30 separate county cost groups (CCGs) are assigned, each with similar housing costs. Use the BAH calculator to enter your ZIP code to determine your military housing area, also known as your county cost group. They range from ZZ510 to ZZ890 in increments of 10.
Military Installations in the District of Columbia:
- Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C.
- Naval Support Activity Washington, Washington, D.C.
- Pentagon – Air Force, Washington, D.C.
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
The BAH rates listed are applicable to all U.S. Armed Forces service branches, including the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Space Force, and Reserves, where applicable. BAH rates in high-cost areas are greater than those in low-cost areas.
Veterans, dependents, National Guard members, and Reservists can use the MHA calculator to estimate their monthly payments. Active-duty service members should use the BAH calculator or tables to see their estimated payments. Both BAH and MHA benefits are based on the same payment tables; however, the benefit amounts vary.
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Jon Rehagan covers financial topics and military news, aimed at helping those who've served our country and everyday civilians
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Andrew Stamp served in U.S. Army special forces for more than 10 years and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).
