E-8 Basic Pay (2026)
This page shows 2026 military basic pay for the enlisted paygrade E-8. Basic pay for E-8 increases with years of service; at the Over 8 years-of-service level, a E-8 earns $5,656.50 per month, or $67,878 per year.
| Years of service | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Over 8 | $5,656.50 | $67,878 |
| Over 10 | $5,907.00 | $70,884 |
| Over 12 | $6,061.80 | $72,742 |
| Over 14 | $6,247.20 | $74,966 |
| Over 16 | $6,448.20 | $77,378 |
| Over 18 | $6,811.20 | $81,734 |
| Over 20 | $6,995.40 | $83,945 |
| Over 22 | $7,308.30 | $87,700 |
| Over 24 | $7,481.70 | $89,780 |
| Over 26 | $7,908.90 | $94,907 |
| Over 28 | $7,908.90 | $94,907 |
| Over 30 | $8,067.30 | $96,808 |
| Over 32 | $8,067.30 | $96,808 |
| Over 34 | $8,067.30 | $96,808 |
| Over 38 | $8,067.30 | $96,808 |
| Over 40 | $8,067.30 | $96,808 |
Add BAH & BAS to E-8 basic pay
| Basic pay | $5,656.50 |
| BAS (enlisted) | $476.95 |
| BAH (your area) | — |
| Total monthly cash | $6,133.45 |
| Annual (× 12) | $73,601 |
Basic pay, BAS and BAH are exact 2026 DFAS/DoD figures — pick your housing area to pull the official BAH rate, or type an amount directly. BAH and BAS are tax-free; this shows gross cash, not take-home.
Related paygrades
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between basic pay and total pay for E-8?
Basic pay is the E-8 figure shown here; total compensation also includes housing (BAH) and subsistence (BAS) allowances, which are tax-free and added on top.
How do years of service affect E-8 pay?
For 2026, E-8 basic pay rises at set years-of-service milestones, so at the Over 8 level a E-8 earns $5,656.50 per month, or $67,878 per year.
Did E-8 pay change for 2026?
Yes. E-8 basic pay was updated for 2026 under the annual across-the-board raise, and at the Over 8 level it is $5,656.50 per month.
Is E-8 basic pay before or after tax?
The E-8 figures are gross basic pay for 2026, before tax or withholding, and allowances such as BAH and BAS are separate and tax-free.
Source: DFAS DFAS 2026 Basic Pay Table · effective January 1, 2026. Rates current as of July 20, 2026. Reference figures for general information — official pay is set by your agency, DFAS or OPM. See methodology.