One of the most common questions that I get asked is about money…and it shouldn’t be surprising! We like our money! So here’s a little overview of some basic pay categories you may qualify for. This list is not comprehensive, and not meant to be your sole resource. The sole resource is OVER 1,000 pages!!! So, if you’re looking for some light reading go check it out! DoD 7000.14-R, Volume 7A.
So, when will you get paid you ask? Good question! You’ll get paid on the 1st and 15th of every month. Before you head off to basic, I would set up a checking account and write down the account information. In basic, you’ll set up your direct deposit information and your money will be electronically deposited into your account.
Prior to your deposit, you’ll have access to your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) which will outline, in great detail, everything you’re getting paid for. Check…then recheck your LES because mistakes WILL happen. More on reading an LES later.
So, let’s talk about money!!
Base Pay
Base pay is the foundational pay and is based on Rank and Time in Service (TIS). The TIS scale increases every 2 years. So even if you don’t make the next rank, you still get a pay raise. Military pay charts can be found on the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) website located here.
Drill Pay
Drill pay is the foundational pay for Guard and Reserve components. It is also based on Rank and TIS but is broken down by Drills.
A Drill is equivalent to 1 day of work. BUT, the great thing about the Guard and Reserve is that instead of only getting paid for 2 days of work on drill weekend, you actually get 4 drills, or double.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
This allowance is for off base housing in the United States. The rates are determined by Zip Code of the assigned base, Rank, and Dependent Status (if you are married or dependent children). BAH rates can be found here.
The good thing about BAH is that you’ll receive the full amount regardless of what your rent/mortgage is. So, if your BAH rate is $1200 and your rent/mortgage is $900, then you pocket the extra! Yay!!!
If you live on base or in the dorms, you won’t get this pay. Boo…
Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)
This is just like BAH but with a couple of differences and applies to overseas locations. The rate is determined by location of your residence, Rank, and Dependent status but is broken down into Rental Allowance, Utility/Reoccurring Maintenance Allowance and Move-in-housing Allowance (MIHA). OHA rates can be found here.
Rental Allowance is more of a limit which means you only get up to that amount. If your rent is lower than the rate, then you’ll only get your rent amount. If your rate is $1200 and your rent is $900, then you only get $900.
Utility/Reoccurring Maintenance Allowance is what you pay utilities with. You get the whole amount regardless of your actual amount.
Move-In-Housing Allowance (MIHA) is a one-time payment that is meant to help you get utilities and other items turned on and started.
Basic Allowance for Substance (BAS)
This is your food allowance. Most members will receive the full BAS amount, but if you live in the dorms and work a normal schedule, then you’ll most likely get a very limited amount. This is because you’ll have access to the Dining Facility (aka Chow Hall). If you live in the dorms but are a shift-worker, then you’ll more than likely receive the full amount.
The rate is a flat rate separated by Enlisted and Officer.
ENLISTED RATE: $367.92
Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
This allowance is meant to offset the cost of living in more expensive areas or currency differences. Most overseas locations qualify for COLA, while very few locations in the US qualify. Rates are determined by Base location, Rank, years of service, and number of dependents. Overseas COLA rates can be found here.
Clothing Allowance
Enlisted members qualify for a clothing allowance to help pay for uniforms. When you get to basic training, you’ll get paid an initial clothing allowance then you’ll receive a lower amount every year on your anniversary month to help replace any worn uniforms. There are typically two rates, Basic and Standard. Rates are also broken down by gender.
Basic rate is the rate you’ll get for the first 3 years of service.
MALE: $241.20
FEMALE: $248.40
Standard rate is the rate you’ll get after 3 years of service.
MALE: $346.75
FEMALE: $352.80
Career Enlisted Flyer Incentive Pay
If you are in an aviation career field then you’ll qualify for additional pay. Rates are determined by total years of aviation service. Rates can be found on the pay chart located on the DFAS website here.
Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay
Certain career fields or job duties qualify you for additional pay.
Crew Member are aviators, not assigned to an AWACs aircraft. Rate is determined by rank and can be found on the DFAS website here.
Non-Crew Member are non-aviators to include AWAC members.
RATE: $150
Parachute, Demolition and Others are usually technical operators such as Pararesuce, Combat Control, TACP, EOD and some SERE specialists.
The rate is flat but parachutists who are High-Altitude Low-Opening (HALO) certified qualify for an increased rate.
RATE: $150
HALO: $225
Diving Pay
If you go to Navy dive school and pass, then you’ll get dive pay. Rates are broken down by Enlisted and Officer.
ENLISTED RATE: $340
Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay
When you are deployed to a combat zone, you’ll more than likely qualify for this pay. It is a flat rate.
RATE: $150
Family Separation Allowance
If you have dependents and are deployed or on a remote tour where dependents cannot join you then you qualify for this pay. It is a flat rate.
RATE: $250
As you can see, there are a lot of different pay categories that you may qualify for. One thing to keep in mind, is that most of these pays are NOT taxable!