What is the maximum E-9 pay in 2026?

The maximum base pay for an E-9 in 2026 is $10,729.20 per month ($128,750.40 per year). This is reached at 40+ years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

Yes, E-9 service members receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) in addition to base pay. BAH for an E-9 with dependents ranges from $1,755 to $6,882 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-9 Pay 2026 — Sergeant Major

Q: How much does an E-9 make in 2026?

In 2026, an E-9 (Sergeant Major) earns between $6,910.20 and $10,729.20 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-9 (Sergeant Major) 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)

$6,910.20/mo

$82,922.40/year

Max Pay

$10,729.20/mo

$128,750.40/year

BAH Range (w/ Dependents)

$1,755–$6,882

Across 338 locations

Enlisted BAS

$476.95/mo

Tax-free food allowance

E-9 Base Pay Table — 2026

Years of Service	Monthly Pay	Annual Pay
10	$6,910.20	$82,922.40
12	$7,066.50	$84,798.00
14	$7,263.60	$87,163.20
16	$7,496.10	$89,953.20
18	$7,730.70	$92,768.40
20	$8,105.10	$97,261.20
22	$8,423.10	$101,077.20
24	$8,756.70	$105,080.40
26	$9,267.90	$111,214.80
28	$9,267.90	$111,214.80
30	$9,730.20	$116,762.40
32	$9,730.20	$116,762.40
34	$10,217.40	$122,608.80
36	$10,217.40	$122,608.80
38	$10,729.20	$128,750.40
40	$10,729.20	$128,750.40

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

E-9 BAH Rates — 2026 (With Dependents)

BAH for an E-9 with dependents ranges from $1,755 to $6,882 per month, with a national average of approximately $2,874/mo across 338 locations.

Top 5 Highest BAH Locations

Top 5 Lowest BAH Locations

Total Compensation Example — E-9 at 26 Years

Base Pay (26 YOS)$9,267.90

BAH (National Average, w/ Dependents)$2,874

BAS (Enlisted)$476.95

Estimated Monthly Total$12,618.85

Estimated Annual Total$151,426.20

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-9 make in 2026?

In 2026, an E-9 (Sergeant Major) earns between $6,910.20 and $10,729.20 per month in base pay, depending on years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

What is the maximum E-9 pay?

The maximum base pay for an E-9 in 2026 is $10,729.20/month ($128,750.40/year), reached at 40+ years of service.

Does an E-9 get BAH?

Yes. In addition to base pay, E-9 service members receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) ranging from $1,755 to $6,882/month with dependents, depending on duty station. They also receive BAS of $476.95/month. Both are tax-free.

How E-9 pay changed in 2026

The 2026 raise added 3.8% to E-9 base pay: $339 more per month at 26 years of service ($4,072 a year) compared with the 2025 table.

Years of service	2025	2026	Change
Over 10 yrs	$6,657/mo	$6,910/mo	+$253 (3.8%)
Over 26 yrs	$8,929/mo	$9,268/mo	+$339 (3.8%)
Over 40 yrs	$10,337/mo	$10,729/mo	+$393 (3.8%)

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