O-5 is an officer pay grade. The title depends on the branch, but the pay is identical.
O-5 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly | Yearly | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $7,295.40 | $87,545 | |
| Over 2 | $8,218.20 | $98,618 | +$922.80 |
| Over 3 | $8,787.00 | $105,444 | +$568.80 |
| Over 4 | $8,894.10 | $106,729 | +$107.10 |
| Over 6 | $9,249.60 | $110,995 | +$355.50 |
| Over 8 | $9,461.40 | $113,537 | +$211.80 |
| Over 10 | $9,928.50 | $119,142 | +$467.10 |
| Over 12 | $10,271.70 | $123,260 | +$343.20 |
| Over 14 | $10,715.10 | $128,581 | +$443.40 |
| Over 16 | $11,391.30 | $136,696 | +$676.20 |
| Over 18 | $11,713.80 | $140,566 | +$322.50 |
| Over 20 | $12,032.70 | $144,392 | +$318.90 |
| Over 22 | $12,394.80 | $148,738 | +$362.10 |
| Over 24 | $12,394.80 | $148,738 | no change |
| Over 26 | $12,394.80 | $148,738 | no change |
| Over 28 | $12,394.80 | $148,738 | no change |
| Over 30 | $12,394.80 | $148,738 | no change |
| Over 32 | $12,394.80 | $148,738 | no change |
| Over 34 | $12,394.80 | $148,738 | no change |
| Over 36 | $12,394.80 | $148,738 | no change |
| Over 38 | $12,394.80 | $148,738 | no change |
| Over 40 | $12,394.80 | $148,738 | no change |
What an O-5 wears
Rank title in each branch
| Army | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Navy | Commander |
| Marine Corps | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Air Force | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Space Force | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Coast Guard | Commander |
What an O-5 takes home in total
Basic pay is only part of the picture. At over 6 years, an O-5 earns $9,249.60 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 $11,384.08. 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 O-5 make a month in 2026?
Basic pay for an O-5 ranges from $7,295.40 a month (2 or less years of service) to $12,394.80 (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 O-5 pay per year?
$87,545 to $148,738 a year in basic pay alone, before allowances.
Is O-5 pay the same in every branch?
Yes. Basic pay depends only on grade and years of service, so an O-5 in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard is paid from the same table.
