E-5 is an enlisted pay grade. The title depends on the branch, but the pay is identical.
E-5 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly | Yearly | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $3,342.90 | $40,115 | |
| Over 2 | $3,598.20 | $43,178 | +$255.30 |
| Over 3 | $3,775.80 | $45,310 | +$177.60 |
| Over 4 | $3,946.80 | $47,362 | +$171.00 |
| Over 6 | $4,110.00 | $49,320 | +$163.20 |
| Over 8 | $4,299.90 | $51,599 | +$189.90 |
| Over 10 | $4,395.30 | $52,744 | +$95.40 |
| Over 12 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | +$26.40 |
| Over 14 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
| Over 16 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
| Over 18 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
| Over 20 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
| Over 22 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
| Over 24 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
| Over 26 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
| Over 28 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
| Over 30 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
| Over 32 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
| Over 34 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
| Over 36 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
| Over 38 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
| Over 40 | $4,421.70 | $53,060 | no change |
Rank title in each branch
| Army | Sergeant |
| Navy | Petty Officer Second Class |
| Marine Corps | Sergeant |
| Air Force | Staff Sergeant |
| Space Force | Sergeant |
| Coast Guard | Petty Officer Second Class |
What an E-5 takes home in total
Basic pay is only part of the picture. At over 6 years, an E-5 earns $4,110.00 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 $6,392.95. 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-5 make a month in 2026?
Basic pay for an E-5 ranges from $3,342.90 a month (2 or less years of service) to $4,421.70 (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-5 pay per year?
$40,115 to $53,060 a year in basic pay alone, before allowances.
Is E-5 pay the same in every branch?
Yes. Basic pay depends only on grade and years of service, so an E-5 in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard is paid from the same table.