E-3 is an enlisted pay grade. The title depends on the branch, but the pay is identical.
E-3 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly | Yearly | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $2,836.80 | $34,042 | |
| Over 2 | $3,015.00 | $36,180 | +$178.20 |
| Over 3 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | +$183.00 |
| Over 4 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 6 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 8 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 10 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 12 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 14 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 16 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 18 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 20 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 22 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 24 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 26 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 28 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 30 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 32 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 34 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 36 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 38 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
| Over 40 | $3,198.00 | $38,376 | no change |
Rank title in each branch
| Army | Private First Class |
| Navy | Seaman |
| Marine Corps | Lance Corporal |
| Air Force | Airman First Class |
| Space Force | Specialist 3 |
| Coast Guard | Seaman |
What an E-3 takes home in total
Basic pay is only part of the picture. At over 6 years, an E-3 earns $3,198.00 in basic pay and $476.95 in BAS. With an example housing allowance of $1,806 (an E-5 with dependents at Fort Bragg in 2026; your own rate depends on your grade and duty station), the monthly total is $5,480.95. The housing and food parts are tax-free, which is worth thousands of dollars a year compared with a civilian salary of the same size.
Questions
How much does an E-3 make a month in 2026?
Basic pay for an E-3 ranges from $2,836.80 a month (2 or less years of service) to $3,198.00 (over 40 years). Most members also receive tax-free BAS of $476.95 and, unless they live in government housing, BAH that depends on their duty station.
What is E-3 pay per year?
$34,042 to $38,376 a year in basic pay alone, before allowances.
Is E-3 pay the same in every branch?
Yes. Basic pay depends only on grade and years of service, so an E-3 in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard is paid from the same table.