National Guard and Reserve members are paid by the drill. Each drill period is typically four hours, and pay for it comes from the same basic pay table active-duty members use. Here is how to work it out and what common ranks earn.
The formula
One drill pays one-thirtieth of the monthly basic pay for your grade and years of service. A standard drill weekend has four drills, so it pays four-thirtieths of a month’s basic pay.
Annual training, usually about 14 days, is paid as active duty. You receive one-thirtieth of monthly basic pay for each day, plus housing and food allowances for the days you serve.
What a drill weekend pays in 2026
| Rank and years | Monthly basic pay | One drill | Four-drill weekend |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1, under 2 | $2,407.20 | $80.24 | $320.96 |
| E-3, over 2 | $3,015.00 | $100.50 | $402.00 |
| E-4, over 3 | $3,482.40 | $116.08 | $464.32 |
| E-5, over 6 | $4,110.00 | $137.00 | $548.00 |
| E-6, over 8 | $4,612.80 | $153.76 | $615.04 |
| O-1, under 2 | $4,150.20 | $138.34 | $553.36 |
| O-3, over 6 | $7,737.00 | $257.90 | $1,031.60 |
A typical year
The classic commitment is one weekend a month and two weeks a year: 48 drills plus about 14 days of annual training. In basic pay alone, that comes to:
- E-1 under 2 years: about $4,975
- E-4 over 3 years: about $7,197
- E-5 over 6 years: about $8,494
- O-3 over 6 years: about $15,990
Annual training also pays housing and food allowances for those days, so the real total is higher. Extra drills and longer orders add more.
How drill pay is taxed
Drill pay is taxable as ordinary income. Federal income tax and FICA are withheld, and many states tax it. Several states exempt Guard and Reserve pay in whole or in part, which can make a real difference to part-time members.
Years of service for drill pay
Your years of service for pay purposes include all time in a reserve component, not just active duty. A reservist who joined six years ago is paid at the over-6 rate, even if they have spent only a few months on active duty.
Other money for Guard and Reserve members
- Active duty orders. When activated for more than 30 days, you receive full active-duty pay and allowances, including BAH for your home ZIP code.
- Bonuses. Many units and jobs offer enlistment, reenlistment and affiliation bonuses.
- Education. Guard and Reserve members may qualify for state tuition programs and for GI Bill benefits after enough active duty time.
- Retirement. Reserve retirement is based on points and usually starts paying at 60, or earlier for qualifying active duty after 2008.
Common questions
When is drill pay deposited? Usually within a few days to two weeks after the drill weekend, once your unit processes attendance.
Does the 2027 raise apply to drill pay? Yes. Drill pay comes from the basic pay table, so it rises by the same percentage on January 1.
Do I get BAH on drill weekends? Not for regular drills. You receive housing allowance for annual training and other active duty orders.
Can I miss a drill and make it up? Many units allow rescheduled training, which is paid like a normal drill. Ask your unit administrator.
See the full monthly figure for any grade on our 2026 pay charts.