E5 Military Pay: What Promotion From E-4 Is Worth

johnnyhashim@gmail.com (Sgt Hashim) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 11:33:42 +0000

For a full month of active service, a typical E-4-to-E-5 promotion around four years adds about $288 to $293 per month in taxable basic pay.
E-5 does not automatically qualify you for BAH; single Army and Marine E-5s generally remain subject to barracks requirements.
For members receiving full standard BAS, the 2026 enlisted rate is $476.95 per month at both E-4 and E-5, so promotion adds no BAS.
E-5 basic pay for a full month of active service tops out at $4,421.70 per month after over 12 years of service.
Reserve and National Guard members normally receive drill pay instead of a full monthly basic-pay amount unless serving on qualifying active orders.
Reenlistment bonuses and special pays depend on specialty, assignment, qualification, and current service policy—not E-5 rank alone.

Full-month E-5 basic pay runs from $3,342.90 to $4,421.70

In 2026, E-5 basic pay for a full month of active service ranges from $3,342.90 to $4,421.70 per month, based on cumulative years of service. A promotion at the over-3 or over-4 mark adds $288.30 to $293.40 per month in taxable basic pay.

Bah on MOS Roadmap

E5 Military Pay: What Promotion From E-4 Is Worth

Full-month E-5 basic pay runs from $3,342.90 to $4,421.70