How to Calculate Military Pay
Military pay is based on several factors: Pay grade, duty status (active duty or reserve), military occupation, deployment status, branch of service and assigned duty station all contribute to the accurate calculation of military pay. Before calculating your military pay, you will need to answer the following questions to receive an accurate amount: What is your marital status? Are you a reservist or active-duty military service member? What is your rank or pay grade? Do you have dependents? Do you receive wounded-warrior pay? Because there are so many variations, it is necessary to understand what factors play a role in calculating your military pay.
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Instructions
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Check the military pay chart (see Resources). This chart breaks down military pay based on pay grade (also known as rank) and years in the military. This chart does not include BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) or BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence). BAS is a monthly military payment allocated to active-duty service members to cover the cost of meals; this is not intended to cover meals for the service member's family.
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Find your pay grade/rank on the chart. To locate your base payment, look under the pay grade that corresponds with the number of years you served
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Determine the BAH rate for your pay grade/rank. The BAH rate is determined by the following factors: dependents (if you have children, this is factored into the BAH rate), the housing market at your assigned duty station, and (of course) your rank. Locate the most current BAH rate chart; enter the appropriate year, your duty-station zip code and rank. Once you enter the information, you will be given the amounts allocated for BAH in your area, with and without dependents. Remember that BAH is only available to military service members who reside off the government quarters.
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Check to see if you qualify for yet another monthly payment from the military. COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) is reserved for active-duty members stationed in high-cost locations within the continental United States. To determine eligibility use the COLA calculator. Answer each of the following questions: Do you have dependents? What is your pay grade? What is your minimum time in service? Also enter your duty location; use the drop box to obtain a list of predetermined high-cost areas. Click "Submit" to determine your COLA.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Shandell Williams
