E-6 is an enlisted pay grade. The title depends on the branch, but the pay is identical.
E-6 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly | Yearly | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $3,401.10 | $40,813 | |
| Over 2 | $3,743.10 | $44,917 | +$342.00 |
| Over 3 | $3,908.10 | $46,897 | +$165.00 |
| Over 4 | $4,068.90 | $48,827 | +$160.80 |
| Over 6 | $4,235.70 | $50,828 | +$166.80 |
| Over 8 | $4,612.80 | $55,354 | +$377.10 |
| Over 10 | $4,759.50 | $57,114 | +$146.70 |
| Over 12 | $5,043.30 | $60,520 | +$283.80 |
| Over 14 | $5,130.30 | $61,564 | +$87.00 |
| Over 16 | $5,193.60 | $62,323 | +$63.30 |
| Over 18 | $5,267.70 | $63,212 | +$74.10 |
| Over 20 | $5,267.70 | $63,212 | no change |
| Over 22 | $5,267.70 | $63,212 | no change |
| Over 24 | $5,267.70 | $63,212 | no change |
| Over 26 | $5,267.70 | $63,212 | no change |
| Over 28 | $5,267.70 | $63,212 | no change |
| Over 30 | $5,267.70 | $63,212 | no change |
| Over 32 | $5,267.70 | $63,212 | no change |
| Over 34 | $5,267.70 | $63,212 | no change |
| Over 36 | $5,267.70 | $63,212 | no change |
| Over 38 | $5,267.70 | $63,212 | no change |
| Over 40 | $5,267.70 | $63,212 | no change |
What an E-6 wears
Rank title in each branch
| Army | Staff Sergeant |
| Navy | Petty Officer First Class |
| Marine Corps | Staff Sergeant |
| Air Force | Technical Sergeant |
| Space Force | Technical Sergeant |
| Coast Guard | Petty Officer First Class |
What an E-6 takes home in total
Basic pay is only part of the picture. At over 6 years, an E-6 earns $4,235.70 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 $6,518.65. 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-6 make a month in 2026?
Basic pay for an E-6 ranges from $3,401.10 a month (2 or less years of service) to $5,267.70 (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-6 pay per year?
$40,813 to $63,212 a year in basic pay alone, before allowances.
Is E-6 pay the same in every branch?
Yes. Basic pay depends only on grade and years of service, so an E-6 in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard is paid from the same table.
