Intro
Get ready for the 2025 Military Pay Chart! Discover the top 5 key updates, including changes to Basic Pay, Allowances, and Special Pays. Learn how the new pay scale affects your wallet, from enlisted personnel to officers, and stay informed about the latest military compensation trends, pay raises, and benefits.
As the new year approaches, military personnel and their families are eagerly awaiting the latest updates to the military pay chart. With the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) recently passed, we can now reveal the 5 key updates that will impact military paychecks in 2025.
The military pay chart is a crucial component of a service member's compensation package, providing a clear outline of their monthly basic pay, allowances, and special pays. With the ever-changing landscape of military operations and the rising cost of living, it's essential to stay informed about the latest updates to ensure that service members and their families are adequately compensated.
In this article, we'll delve into the 5 key updates to the 2025 military pay chart, exploring the changes that will affect military personnel across various branches and ranks. From pay raises to changes in allowances, we'll cover everything you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
Update 1: 2025 Military Pay Raise

The 2025 NDAA includes a 5.2% pay raise for military personnel, effective January 1, 2025. This increase is the largest pay raise in over a decade, reflecting the growing cost of living and the need to maintain a competitive edge in recruiting and retaining top talent.
The pay raise will be applied to all branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Service members can expect to see an increase in their basic pay, with the exact amount varying depending on their rank and time in service.
Pay Raise Breakdown
- Enlisted personnel (E-1 to E-9): 5.2% increase
- Warrant officers (W-1 to W-5): 5.2% increase
- Officers (O-1 to O-10): 5.2% increase
Update 2: Changes to Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a critical component of a service member's compensation package, providing a tax-free stipend to help cover the cost of housing. For 2025, the BAH will see an average increase of 3.8% across all branches and ranks.
The BAH increase is based on a comprehensive review of housing costs across the United States, taking into account factors such as rent, utilities, and other expenses. Service members can expect to see an increase in their BAH, with the exact amount varying depending on their location and rank.
BAH Increase Breakdown
- Enlisted personnel (E-1 to E-9): 3.8% increase
- Warrant officers (W-1 to W-5): 3.8% increase
- Officers (O-1 to O-10): 3.8% increase
Update 3: Increase in Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)

The Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is a monthly stipend provided to service members to help cover the cost of food. For 2025, the BAS will see an increase of 2.5% across all branches and ranks.
The BAS increase is based on a review of food costs and inflation rates, ensuring that service members have adequate resources to provide for themselves and their families.
BAS Increase Breakdown
- Enlisted personnel (E-1 to E-9): 2.5% increase
- Warrant officers (W-1 to W-5): 2.5% increase
- Officers (O-1 to O-10): 2.5% increase
Update 4: Changes to Special Pays

Special pays are an essential component of a service member's compensation package, providing additional resources for those serving in high-risk or high-stress environments. For 2025, several special pays will see changes, including:
- Hazardous duty pay: increased by 10%
- Dive duty pay: increased by 5%
- Submarine duty pay: increased by 5%
These changes will provide additional resources for service members serving in high-risk or high-stress environments, recognizing the unique challenges they face.
Special Pays Breakdown
- Hazardous duty pay: 10% increase
- Dive duty pay: 5% increase
- Submarine duty pay: 5% increase
Update 5: Changes to Education Benefits

Education benefits are a critical component of a service member's compensation package, providing resources for those seeking to further their education. For 2025, several education benefits will see changes, including:
- GI Bill benefits: increased by 5%
- Military Tuition Assistance (TA): increased by 10%
These changes will provide additional resources for service members seeking to further their education, recognizing the importance of lifelong learning and career development.
Education Benefits Breakdown
- GI Bill benefits: 5% increase
- Military Tuition Assistance (TA): 10% increase
As we approach the new year, it's essential to stay informed about the latest updates to the military pay chart. By understanding these 5 key updates, service members and their families can better plan for the future, ensuring they're adequately compensated for their service.
We invite you to share your thoughts on these updates in the comments below. How do you think these changes will impact your military career? Share your insights and let's start the conversation!
What is the 2025 military pay raise?
+The 2025 military pay raise is 5.2%, effective January 1, 2025.
How will the BAH increase affect my housing costs?
+The BAH increase will provide an average increase of 3.8% across all branches and ranks, helping to offset rising housing costs.
What changes can I expect to special pays in 2025?
+Several special pays will see changes in 2025, including hazardous duty pay, dive duty pay, and submarine duty pay.