W-3 is a warrant officer pay grade. Every branch that uses it calls it Chief Warrant Officer 3.
W-3 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly | Yearly | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $5,223.30 | $62,680 | |
| Over 2 | $5,440.50 | $65,286 | +$217.20 |
| Over 3 | $5,664.30 | $67,972 | +$223.80 |
| Over 4 | $5,736.90 | $68,843 | +$72.60 |
| Over 6 | $5,970.90 | $71,651 | +$234.00 |
| Over 8 | $6,431.10 | $77,173 | +$460.20 |
| Over 10 | $6,910.50 | $82,926 | +$479.40 |
| Over 12 | $7,136.40 | $85,637 | +$225.90 |
| Over 14 | $7,397.70 | $88,772 | +$261.30 |
| Over 16 | $7,665.90 | $91,991 | +$268.20 |
| Over 18 | $8,150.40 | $97,805 | +$484.50 |
| Over 20 | $8,476.50 | $101,718 | +$326.10 |
| Over 22 | $8,671.80 | $104,062 | +$195.30 |
| Over 24 | $8,879.70 | $106,556 | +$207.90 |
| Over 26 | $9,162.60 | $109,951 | +$282.90 |
| Over 28 | $9,162.60 | $109,951 | no change |
| Over 30 | $9,162.60 | $109,951 | no change |
| Over 32 | $9,162.60 | $109,951 | no change |
| Over 34 | $9,162.60 | $109,951 | no change |
| Over 36 | $9,162.60 | $109,951 | no change |
| Over 38 | $9,162.60 | $109,951 | no change |
| Over 40 | $9,162.60 | $109,951 | no change |
Rank title in each branch
| Army | Chief Warrant Officer 3 |
| Navy | Chief Warrant Officer 3 |
| Marine Corps | Chief Warrant Officer 3 |
| Air Force | Chief Warrant Officer 3 |
| Space Force | |
| Coast Guard | Chief Warrant Officer 3 |
What a W-3 takes home in total
Basic pay is only part of the picture. At over 6 years, a W-3 earns $5,970.90 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 $8,105.38. 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-3 make a month in 2026?
Basic pay for a W-3 ranges from $5,223.30 a month (2 or less years of service) to $9,162.60 (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-3 pay per year?
$62,680 to $109,951 a year in basic pay alone, before allowances.
Is W-3 pay the same in every branch?
Yes. Basic pay depends only on grade and years of service, so a W-3 in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard is paid from the same table.