What is the maximum W-3 pay in 2026?

The maximum base pay for an W-3 in 2026 is $8,615.70 per month ($103,388.40 per year). This is reached at 26+ years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

Yes, W-3 service members receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) in addition to base pay. BAH for an W-3 with dependents ranges from $1,689 to $6,654 per month depending on duty station location. BAH is a tax-free allowance. They also receive BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) of $328.48 per month.

Updated February 2026

W-3 Pay 2026 — CW3

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

In 2026, an W-3 (CW3) earns between $5,210.70 and $8,615.70 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 W-3 (CW3) 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)

$5,210.70/mo

$62,528.40/year

Max Pay

$8,615.70/mo

$103,388.40/year

BAH Range (w/ Dependents)

$1,689–$6,654

Across 338 locations

Officer BAS

$328.48/mo

Tax-free food allowance

W-3 Base Pay Table — 2026

Years of Service	Monthly Pay	Annual Pay
2 or less	$5,210.70	$62,528.40
2	$5,430.00	$65,160.00
3	$5,656.50	$67,878.00
4	$5,925.30	$71,103.60
6	$6,170.40	$74,044.80
8	$6,511.20	$78,134.40
10	$6,827.70	$81,932.40
12	$7,122.60	$85,471.20
14	$7,416.90	$89,002.80
16	$7,618.50	$91,422.00
18	$7,920.30	$95,043.60
20	$8,148.00	$97,776.00
24	$8,438.40	$101,260.80
26	$8,615.70	$103,388.40

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

W-3 BAH Rates — 2026 (With Dependents)

BAH for an W-3 with dependents ranges from $1,689 to $6,654 per month, with a national average of approximately $2,793/mo across 338 locations.

Top 5 Highest BAH Locations

Top 5 Lowest BAH Locations

Total Compensation Example — W-3 at 12 Years

Base Pay (12 YOS)$7,122.60

BAH (National Average, w/ Dependents)$2,793

BAS (Officer)$328.48

Estimated Monthly Total$10,244.08

Estimated Annual Total$122,928.96

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 W-3 make in 2026?

In 2026, an W-3 (CW3) earns between $5,210.70 and $8,615.70 per month in base pay, depending on years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

What is the maximum W-3 pay?

The maximum base pay for an W-3 in 2026 is $8,615.70/month ($103,388.40/year), reached at 26+ years of service.

Does an W-3 get BAH?

Yes. In addition to base pay, W-3 service members receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) ranging from $1,689 to $6,654/month with dependents, depending on duty station. They also receive BAS of $328.48/month. Both are tax-free.