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Warrant Officer Pay

Below is the proposed FY 2003 Base Pay Chart for military enlisted personnel.

The pay table incorporates a minimum 4.1 percent raise for both enlisted and officers, as well as a targeted pay raise (up to 9.5 percent) aimed at mid-level NCOs and officers.

In order for this raise to be effective, Congress must pass (and the President must sign) two separate pieces of legislation: The Defense Appropriations Act, and the Defense Authorization Act.

Congress passed the Defense Appropriations Act on October 15, 2002, and it was signed into law by the President on October 23, 2002.

Congress passed the FY 2003 Defense Authorization Act and the President signed the bill into law on December 2, 2002.

For more information about pay and benefit changes for FY 2003, see Your 2003 Military Pay and Benefits.

The below chart shows monthly base pay. A military member may be entitled to other pays, such as a housing allowance (if authorized to live off base), or a monthly food allowance (if authorized to consume meals outside of the chow halls). Unless serving in a designated combat zone, base pay is taxable (federal income tax, social security tax, medicare tax, state income tax, etc). Some states do not tax military pay.

Active duty military members are paid twice per month, on the 1st and the 15th of each month. If "payday" falls on a weekend or holiday, they are paid on the duty day preceeding the weekend or holiday. For example, if the 15th of the month falls on Sunday, the member would be paid on Friday. Because the below chart shows MONTHLY pay, the member would receive 1/2 of this on each payday.

Military base pay is based upon grade (rank) and years of service: