What is the maximum W-4 pay in 2026?

The maximum base pay for an W-4 in 2026 is $10,653.60 per month ($127,843.20 per year). This is reached at 40+ years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

Yes, W-4 service members receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) in addition to base pay. BAH for an W-4 with dependents ranges from $1,779 to $6,963 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-4 Pay 2026 — CW4

Q: How much does an W-4 make in 2026?

In 2026, an W-4 (CW4) earns between $5,719.80 and $10,653.60 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-4 (CW4) 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)

$5,719.80/mo

$68,637.60/year

Max Pay

$10,653.60/mo

$127,843.20/year

BAH Range (w/ Dependents)

$1,779–$6,963

Across 338 locations

Officer BAS

$328.48/mo

Tax-free food allowance

W-4 Base Pay Table — 2026

Years of Service	Monthly Pay	Annual Pay
2 or less	$5,719.80	$68,637.60
2	$6,152.10	$73,825.20
3	$6,328.50	$75,942.00
4	$6,502.20	$78,026.40
6	$6,801.90	$81,622.80
8	$7,098.00	$85,176.00
10	$7,398.00	$88,776.00
12	$7,848.30	$94,179.60
14	$8,243.70	$98,924.40
16	$8,619.90	$103,438.80
18	$8,928.60	$107,143.20
20	$9,228.90	$110,746.80
22	$9,669.60	$116,035.20
24	$10,032.00	$120,384.00
26	$10,445.40	$125,344.80
28	$10,445.40	$125,344.80
30	$10,653.60	$127,843.20
32	$10,653.60	$127,843.20
34	$10,653.60	$127,843.20
36	$10,653.60	$127,843.20
38	$10,653.60	$127,843.20
40	$10,653.60	$127,843.20

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

W-4 BAH Rates — 2026 (With Dependents)

BAH for an W-4 with dependents ranges from $1,779 to $6,963 per month, with a national average of approximately $2,906/mo across 338 locations.

Top 5 Highest BAH Locations

Top 5 Lowest BAH Locations

Total Compensation Example — W-4 at 20 Years

Base Pay (20 YOS)$9,228.90

BAH (National Average, w/ Dependents)$2,906

BAS (Officer)$328.48

Estimated Monthly Total$12,463.38

Estimated Annual Total$149,560.56

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-3 CW3 W-5 CW5 →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an W-4 make in 2026?

In 2026, an W-4 (CW4) earns between $5,719.80 and $10,653.60 per month in base pay, depending on years of service. Total compensation including BAH and BAS is significantly higher.

What is the maximum W-4 pay?

The maximum base pay for an W-4 in 2026 is $10,653.60/month ($127,843.20/year), reached at 40+ years of service.

Does an W-4 get BAH?

Yes. In addition to base pay, W-4 service members receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) ranging from $1,779 to $6,963/month with dependents, depending on duty station. They also receive BAS of $328.48/month. Both are tax-free.

How W-4 pay changed in 2026

Warrant officer pay moved with the standard 3.8% military raise in 2026: a W-4 with 6 years of service earns $249 more per month than in 2025.

Years of service	2025	2026	Change
Over 2 yrs	$5,927/mo	$6,152/mo	+$225 (3.8%)
Over 6 yrs	$6,553/mo	$6,802/mo	+$249 (3.8%)
Over 12 yrs	$7,561/mo	$7,848/mo	+$287 (3.8%)

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