What is the maximum W-3 pay in 2026?

The maximum base pay for an W-3 in 2026 is $9,162.60 per month ($109,951.20 per year). This is reached at 40+ 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 $5,223.30 and $9,162.60 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)

$5,223.30/mo

$62,679.60/year

Max Pay

$9,162.60/mo

$109,951.20/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	$5,223.30	$62,679.60
2	$5,440.50	$65,286.00
3	$5,664.30	$67,971.60
4	$5,736.90	$68,842.80
6	$5,970.90	$71,650.80
8	$6,431.10	$77,173.20
10	$6,910.50	$82,926.00
12	$7,136.40	$85,636.80
14	$7,397.70	$88,772.40
16	$7,665.90	$91,990.80
18	$8,150.40	$97,804.80
20	$8,476.50	$101,718.00
22	$8,671.80	$104,061.60
24	$8,879.70	$106,556.40
26	$9,162.60	$109,951.20
28	$9,162.60	$109,951.20
30	$9,162.60	$109,951.20
32	$9,162.60	$109,951.20
34	$9,162.60	$109,951.20
36	$9,162.60	$109,951.20
38	$9,162.60	$109,951.20
40	$9,162.60	$109,951.20

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 20 Years

Base Pay (20 YOS)$8,476.50

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

BAS (Officer)$328.48

Estimated Monthly Total$11,597.98

Estimated Annual Total$139,175.76

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.

← W-2 Chief Warrant Officer 2 W-4 CW4 →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an W-3 make in 2026?

In 2026, an W-3 (CW3) earns between $5,223.30 and $9,162.60 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 $9,162.60/month ($109,951.20/year), reached at 40+ 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.

How W-3 pay changed in 2026

Warrant officer pay moved with the standard 3.8% military raise in 2026: a W-3 with 6 years of service earns $219 more per month than in 2025.

Years of service	2025	2026	Change
Over 2 yrs	$5,241/mo	$5,441/mo	+$199 (3.8%)
Over 6 yrs	$5,752/mo	$5,971/mo	+$219 (3.8%)
Over 12 yrs	$6,875/mo	$7,136/mo	+$261 (3.8%)

Promotion is still the bigger lever: at 6 years of service, pinning on W-4 is worth $831 more per month in base pay alone ($9,972 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.