Complete 2026 pay scale for Lieutenant Colonel (O-5). Base pay by years of service, monthly and annual.
| Years of service | Monthly base pay | Annual base pay |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $7,295.40 | $87,544.80 |
| 2 | $8,218.20 | $98,618.40 |
| 3 | $8,787.00 | $105,444.00 |
| 4 | $8,894.10 | $106,729.20 |
| 6 | $9,249.60 | $110,995.20 |
| 8 | $9,461.40 | $113,536.80 |
| 10 | $9,928.50 | $119,142.00 |
| 12 | $10,271.70 | $123,260.40 |
| 14 | $10,715.10 | $128,581.20 |
| 16 | $11,391.30 | $136,695.60 |
| 18 | $11,713.80 | $140,565.60 |
| 20 | $12,032.70 | $144,392.40 |
| 22 | $12,394.80 | $148,737.60 |
| 24 | $12,394.80 | $148,737.60 |
| 26 | $12,394.80 | $148,737.60 |
| 28 | $12,394.80 | $148,737.60 |
| 30 | $12,394.80 | $148,737.60 |
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.