What is the maximum E-3 pay in 2026?

The maximum base pay for an E-3 in 2026 is $3,198.00 per month ($38,376.00 per year). This is reached at 40+ years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

Yes, E-3 service members receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) in addition to base pay. BAH for an E-3 with dependents ranges from $1,134 to $5,067 per month depending on duty station location. BAH is a tax-free allowance. They also receive BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) of $476.95 per month.

Updated February 2026

E-3 Pay 2026 — Private First Class

Q: How much does an E-3 make in 2026?

In 2026, an E-3 (Private First Class) earns between $2,836.80 and $3,198.00 per month in base pay, depending on years of service. This does not include BAH or BAS allowances, which can add $1,500 to $5,500+ per month depending on location and dependency status.

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

Top 5 Lowest BAH Locations

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.

← E-2 Private Second Class E-4 Specialist/Corporal →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an E-3 make in 2026?

In 2026, an E-3 (Private First Class) earns between $2,836.80 and $3,198.00 per month in base pay, depending on years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

What is the maximum E-3 pay?

The maximum base pay for an E-3 in 2026 is $3,198.00/month ($38,376.00/year), reached at 40+ years of service.

Does an E-3 get BAH?

Yes. In addition to base pay, E-3 service members receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) ranging from $1,134 to $5,067/month with dependents, depending on duty station. They also receive BAS of $476.95/month. Both are tax-free.

How E-3 pay changed in 2026

The 2026 raise added 3.8% to E-3 base pay: $117 more per month at 6 years of service ($1,404 a year) compared with the 2025 table.

Years of service	2025	2026	Change
Over 2 yrs	$2,905/mo	$3,015/mo	+$110 (3.8%)
Over 6 yrs	$3,081/mo	$3,198/mo	+$117 (3.8%)
Over 12 yrs	$3,081/mo	$3,198/mo	+$117 (3.8%)

Promotion is still the bigger lever: at 6 years of service, pinning on E-4 is worth $617 more per month in base pay alone ($7,409 a year) — before any change in BAH.

2025 figures: DoD pay tables (incl. the April 2025 junior-enlisted adjustment). 2026 figures: official tables effective January 1, 2026.