W-2 is a warrant officer pay grade. Every branch that uses it calls it Chief Warrant Officer 2.
W-2 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly | Yearly | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $4,621.80 | $55,462 | |
| Over 2 | $5,058.90 | $60,707 | +$437.10 |
| Over 3 | $5,193.30 | $62,320 | +$134.40 |
| Over 4 | $5,286.00 | $63,432 | +$92.70 |
| Over 6 | $5,585.40 | $67,025 | +$299.40 |
| Over 8 | $6,051.00 | $72,612 | +$465.60 |
| Over 10 | $6,282.60 | $75,391 | +$231.60 |
| Over 12 | $6,509.40 | $78,113 | +$226.80 |
| Over 14 | $6,787.50 | $81,450 | +$278.10 |
| Over 16 | $7,005.00 | $84,060 | +$217.50 |
| Over 18 | $7,201.50 | $86,418 | +$196.50 |
| Over 20 | $7,437.00 | $89,244 | +$235.50 |
| Over 22 | $7,591.50 | $91,098 | +$154.50 |
| Over 24 | $7,714.20 | $92,570 | +$122.70 |
| Over 26 | $7,714.20 | $92,570 | no change |
| Over 28 | $7,714.20 | $92,570 | no change |
| Over 30 | $7,714.20 | $92,570 | no change |
| Over 32 | $7,714.20 | $92,570 | no change |
| Over 34 | $7,714.20 | $92,570 | no change |
| Over 36 | $7,714.20 | $92,570 | no change |
| Over 38 | $7,714.20 | $92,570 | no change |
| Over 40 | $7,714.20 | $92,570 | no change |
Rank title in each branch
| Army | Chief Warrant Officer 2 |
| Navy | Chief Warrant Officer 2 |
| Marine Corps | Chief Warrant Officer 2 |
| Air Force | Chief Warrant Officer 2 |
| Space Force | |
| Coast Guard | Chief Warrant Officer 2 |
What a W-2 takes home in total
Basic pay is only part of the picture. At over 6 years, a W-2 earns $5,585.40 in basic pay and $328.48 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 $7,719.88. 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 a W-2 make a month in 2026?
Basic pay for a W-2 ranges from $4,621.80 a month (2 or less years of service) to $7,714.20 (over 40 years). Most members also receive tax-free BAS of $328.48 and, unless they live in government housing, BAH that depends on their duty station.
What is W-2 pay per year?
$55,462 to $92,570 a year in basic pay alone, before allowances.
Is W-2 pay the same in every branch?
Yes. Basic pay depends only on grade and years of service, so a W-2 in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard is paid from the same table.