Updated February 2026
E-3 Pay 2026 — Private First Class
Complete 2026 E-3 (Private First Class) base pay table by years of service, plus BAH rates and total compensation breakdown. All rates include the 3.8% pay raise effective January 1, 2026.
Entry Pay (0 YOS)
$2,836.80/mo
$34,041.60/year
Max Pay
$3,198.00/mo
$38,376.00/year
BAH Range (w/ Dependents)
$1,134–$5,067
Across 338 locations
Enlisted BAS
$476.95/mo
Tax-free food allowance
E-3 Base Pay Table — 2026
| Years of Service | Monthly Pay | Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $2,836.80 | $34,041.60 |
| 2 | $3,015.00 | $36,180.00 |
| 3 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 4 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 6 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 8 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 10 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 12 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 14 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 16 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 18 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 20 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 22 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 24 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 26 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 28 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 30 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 32 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 34 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 36 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 38 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 40 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
All amounts reflect the 3.8% pay raise effective January 1, 2026. Source: DFAS.
E-3 BAH Rates — 2026 (With Dependents)
BAH for an E-3 with dependents ranges from $1,134 to $5,067 per month, with a national average of approximately $2,069/mo across 338 locations.
Top 5 Highest BAH Locations
- New York City, Ny$5,067/mo
- San Francisco, Ca$4,764/mo
- Santa Clara County, Ca$4,356/mo
- Boston, Ma$4,344/mo
- Northern New Jersey, Nj$4,275/mo
Top 5 Lowest BAH Locations
- Youngstown, Oh$1,134/mo
- Monroe, La$1,143/mo
- Vance Afb/Enid, Ok$1,155/mo
- Fort Chaffee/Fort Smith, Ar$1,173/mo
- Altus Afb, Ok$1,173/mo
Total Compensation Example — E-3 at 20 Years
Base Pay (20 YOS)$3,198.00
BAH (National Average, w/ Dependents)$2,069
BAS (Enlisted)$476.95
Estimated Monthly Total$5,743.95
Estimated Annual Total$68,927.40
BAH and BAS are tax-free allowances. Actual total compensation varies by duty station and dependency status. Use the Military Pay Calculator for a personalized estimate.