What is the maximum E-5 pay in 2026?

The maximum base pay for an E-5 in 2026 is $4,421.70 per month ($53,060.40 per year). This is reached at 40+ years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

Yes, E-5 service members receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) in addition to base pay. BAH for an E-5 with dependents ranges from $1,185 to $5,127 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-5 Pay 2026 — Sergeant

Q: How much does an E-5 make in 2026?

In 2026, an E-5 (Sergeant) earns between $3,342.90 and $4,421.70 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-5 (Sergeant) 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)

$3,342.90/mo

$40,114.80/year

Max Pay

$4,421.70/mo

$53,060.40/year

BAH Range (w/ Dependents)

$1,185–$5,127

Across 338 locations

Enlisted BAS

$476.95/mo

Tax-free food allowance

E-5 Base Pay Table — 2026

Years of Service	Monthly Pay	Annual Pay
2 or less	$3,342.90	$40,114.80
2	$3,598.20	$43,178.40
3	$3,775.80	$45,309.60
4	$3,946.80	$47,361.60
6	$4,110.00	$49,320.00
8	$4,299.90	$51,598.80
10	$4,395.30	$52,743.60
12	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
14	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
16	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
18	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
20	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
22	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
24	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
26	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
28	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
30	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
32	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
34	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
36	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
38	$4,421.70	$53,060.40
40	$4,421.70	$53,060.40

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

E-5 BAH Rates — 2026 (With Dependents)

BAH for an E-5 with dependents ranges from $1,185 to $5,127 per month, with a national average of approximately $2,224/mo across 338 locations.

Top 5 Highest BAH Locations

Top 5 Lowest BAH Locations

Total Compensation Example — E-5 at 20 Years

Base Pay (20 YOS)$4,421.70

BAH (National Average, w/ Dependents)$2,224

BAS (Enlisted)$476.95

Estimated Monthly Total$7,122.65

Estimated Annual Total$85,471.80

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-4 Specialist/Corporal E-6 Staff Sergeant →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an E-5 make in 2026?

In 2026, an E-5 (Sergeant) earns between $3,342.90 and $4,421.70 per month in base pay, depending on years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

What is the maximum E-5 pay?

The maximum base pay for an E-5 in 2026 is $4,421.70/month ($53,060.40/year), reached at 40+ years of service.

Does an E-5 get BAH?

Yes. In addition to base pay, E-5 service members receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) ranging from $1,185 to $5,127/month with dependents, depending on duty station. They also receive BAS of $476.95/month. Both are tax-free.

How E-5 pay changed in 2026

The 2026 raise added 3.8% to E-5 base pay: $151 more per month at 6 years of service ($1,807 a year) compared with the 2025 table.

Years of service	2025	2026	Change
Over 2 yrs	$3,467/mo	$3,598/mo	+$132 (3.8%)
Over 6 yrs	$3,959/mo	$4,110/mo	+$151 (3.8%)
Over 12 yrs	$4,235/mo	$4,422/mo	+$187 (4.4%)

Promotion is still the bigger lever: at 6 years of service, pinning on E-6 is worth $126 more per month in base pay alone ($1,508 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.