O-6 is an officer pay grade. The title depends on the branch, but the pay is identical.
O-6 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly | Yearly | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $8,751.30 | $105,016 | |
| Over 2 | $9,613.80 | $115,366 | +$862.50 |
| Over 3 | $10,245.00 | $122,940 | +$631.20 |
| Over 4 | $10,245.00 | $122,940 | no change |
| Over 6 | $10,284.30 | $123,412 | +$39.30 |
| Over 8 | $10,725.00 | $128,700 | +$440.70 |
| Over 10 | $10,783.50 | $129,402 | +$58.50 |
| Over 12 | $10,783.50 | $129,402 | no change |
| Over 14 | $11,396.40 | $136,757 | +$612.90 |
| Over 16 | $12,479.70 | $149,756 | +$1,083.30 |
| Over 18 | $13,115.40 | $157,385 | +$635.70 |
| Over 20 | $13,751.10 | $165,013 | +$635.70 |
| Over 22 | $14,112.90 | $169,355 | +$361.80 |
| Over 24 | $14,479.20 | $173,750 | +$366.30 |
| Over 26 | $15,188.70 | $182,264 | +$709.50 |
| Over 28 | $15,188.70 | $182,264 | no change |
| Over 30 | $15,408.30 | $184,900 | +$219.60 |
| Over 32 | $15,408.30 | $184,900 | no change |
| Over 34 | $15,408.30 | $184,900 | no change |
| Over 36 | $15,408.30 | $184,900 | no change |
| Over 38 | $15,408.30 | $184,900 | no change |
| Over 40 | $15,408.30 | $184,900 | no change |
What an O-6 wears
Rank title in each branch
| Army | Colonel |
| Navy | Captain |
| Marine Corps | Colonel |
| Air Force | Colonel |
| Space Force | Colonel |
| Coast Guard | Captain |
What an O-6 takes home in total
Basic pay is only part of the picture. At over 6 years, an O-6 earns $10,284.30 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 $12,418.78. 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-6 make a month in 2026?
Basic pay for an O-6 ranges from $8,751.30 a month (2 or less years of service) to $15,408.30 (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-6 pay per year?
$105,016 to $184,900 a year in basic pay alone, before allowances.
Is O-6 pay the same in every branch?
Yes. Basic pay depends only on grade and years of service, so an O-6 in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard is paid from the same table.
