What is the maximum E-6 pay in 2026?

The maximum base pay for an E-6 in 2026 is $5,267.70 per month ($63,212.40 per year). This is reached at 40+ years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

Yes, E-6 service members receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) in addition to base pay. BAH for an E-6 with dependents ranges from $1,335 to $5,454 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-6 Pay 2026 — Staff Sergeant

Q: How much does an E-6 make in 2026?

In 2026, an E-6 (Staff Sergeant) earns between $3,401.10 and $5,267.70 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-6 (Staff 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)

$3,401.10/mo

$40,813.20/year

Max Pay

$5,267.70/mo

$63,212.40/year

BAH Range (w/ Dependents)

$1,335–$5,454

Across 338 locations

Enlisted BAS

$476.95/mo

Tax-free food allowance

E-6 Base Pay Table — 2026

Years of Service	Monthly Pay	Annual Pay
2 or less	$3,401.10	$40,813.20
2	$3,743.10	$44,917.20
3	$3,908.10	$46,897.20
4	$4,068.90	$48,826.80
6	$4,235.70	$50,828.40
8	$4,612.80	$55,353.60
10	$4,759.50	$57,114.00
12	$5,043.30	$60,519.60
14	$5,130.30	$61,563.60
16	$5,193.60	$62,323.20
18	$5,267.70	$63,212.40
20	$5,267.70	$63,212.40
22	$5,267.70	$63,212.40
24	$5,267.70	$63,212.40
26	$5,267.70	$63,212.40
28	$5,267.70	$63,212.40
30	$5,267.70	$63,212.40
32	$5,267.70	$63,212.40
34	$5,267.70	$63,212.40
36	$5,267.70	$63,212.40
38	$5,267.70	$63,212.40
40	$5,267.70	$63,212.40

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

E-6 BAH Rates — 2026 (With Dependents)

BAH for an E-6 with dependents ranges from $1,335 to $5,454 per month, with a national average of approximately $2,545/mo across 338 locations.

Top 5 Highest BAH Locations

Top 5 Lowest BAH Locations

Total Compensation Example — E-6 at 20 Years

Base Pay (20 YOS)$5,267.70

BAH (National Average, w/ Dependents)$2,545

BAS (Enlisted)$476.95

Estimated Monthly Total$8,289.65

Estimated Annual Total$99,475.80

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an E-6 make in 2026?

In 2026, an E-6 (Staff Sergeant) earns between $3,401.10 and $5,267.70 per month in base pay, depending on years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

What is the maximum E-6 pay?

The maximum base pay for an E-6 in 2026 is $5,267.70/month ($63,212.40/year), reached at 40+ years of service.

Does an E-6 get BAH?

Yes. In addition to base pay, E-6 service members receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) ranging from $1,335 to $5,454/month with dependents, depending on duty station. They also receive BAS of $476.95/month. Both are tax-free.

How E-6 pay changed in 2026

The 2026 raise added 3.8% to E-6 base pay: $155 more per month at 6 years of service ($1,861 a year) compared with the 2025 table.

Years of service	2025	2026	Change
Over 2 yrs	$3,606/mo	$3,743/mo	+$137 (3.8%)
Over 6 yrs	$4,081/mo	$4,236/mo	+$155 (3.8%)
Over 12 yrs	$4,859/mo	$5,043/mo	+$185 (3.8%)

Promotion is still the bigger lever: at 6 years of service, pinning on E-7 is worth $608 more per month in base pay alone ($7,297 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.