What is the maximum E-4 pay in 2026?

The maximum base pay for an E-4 in 2026 is $3,815.40 per month ($45,784.80 per year). This is reached at 40+ years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

Yes, E-4 service members receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) in addition to base pay. BAH for an E-4 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-4 Pay 2026 — Specialist/Corporal

Q: How much does an E-4 make in 2026?

In 2026, an E-4 (Specialist/Corporal) earns between $3,142.20 and $3,815.40 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-4 (Specialist/Corporal) 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)

$3,142.20/mo

$37,706.40/year

Max Pay

$3,815.40/mo

$45,784.80/year

BAH Range (w/ Dependents)

$1,134–$5,067

Across 338 locations

Enlisted BAS

$476.95/mo

Tax-free food allowance

E-4 Base Pay Table — 2026

Years of Service	Monthly Pay	Annual Pay
2 or less	$3,142.20	$37,706.40
2	$3,303.00	$39,636.00
3	$3,482.40	$41,788.80
4	$3,658.50	$43,902.00
6	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
8	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
10	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
12	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
14	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
16	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
18	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
20	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
22	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
24	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
26	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
28	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
30	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
32	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
34	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
36	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
38	$3,815.40	$45,784.80
40	$3,815.40	$45,784.80

All amounts reflect the 3.8% pay raise effective January 1, 2026. Source: DFAS.

E-4 BAH Rates — 2026 (With Dependents)

BAH for an E-4 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-4 at 20 Years

Base Pay (20 YOS)$3,815.40

BAH (National Average, w/ Dependents)$2,069

BAS (Enlisted)$476.95

Estimated Monthly Total$6,361.35

Estimated Annual Total$76,336.20

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an E-4 make in 2026?

In 2026, an E-4 (Specialist/Corporal) earns between $3,142.20 and $3,815.40 per month in base pay, depending on years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

What is the maximum E-4 pay?

The maximum base pay for an E-4 in 2026 is $3,815.40/month ($45,784.80/year), reached at 40+ years of service.

Does an E-4 get BAH?

Yes. In addition to base pay, E-4 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.