Complete 2026 pay scale for Private First Class (E-3). Base pay by years of service, monthly and annual.
| Years of service | Monthly base pay | Annual base pay |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $2,836.80 | $34,041.60 |
| 2 | $3,015.00 | $36,180.00 |
| 3 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 4 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 6 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 8 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 10 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 12 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 14 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 16 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 18 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 20 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 22 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 24 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 26 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 28 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
| 30 | $3,198.00 | $38,376.00 |
These are base pay figures only. Add BAS (food allowance) and BAH (housing allowance by location) for total compensation.
Data: 2026 military pay tables (DoD), BAH rates, and VA compensation schedules as bundled in the VetPaycheck app. Last updated 2026-10-11. Figures are monthly gross before taxes. For planning only; verify with DFAS/VA.