O-8 is an officer pay grade. The title depends on the branch, but the pay is identical. Part of this grade's pay is capped by law at $18,999.90 a month, the Executive Schedule Level II rate for 2026.
O-8 basic pay by years of service
| Years of service | Monthly | Yearly | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 or less | $13,888.50 | $166,662 | |
| Over 2 | $14,343.90 | $172,127 | +$455.40 |
| Over 3 | $14,645.40 | $175,745 | +$301.50 |
| Over 4 | $14,729.40 | $176,753 | +$84.00 |
| Over 6 | $15,106.50 | $181,278 | +$377.10 |
| Over 8 | $15,735.30 | $188,824 | +$628.80 |
| Over 10 | $15,882.00 | $190,584 | +$146.70 |
| Over 12 | $16,479.60 | $197,755 | +$597.60 |
| Over 14 | $16,651.80 | $199,822 | +$172.20 |
| Over 16 | $17,166.60 | $205,999 | +$514.80 |
| Over 18 | $17,911.80 | $214,942 | +$745.20 |
| Over 20 | $18,598.20 | $223,178 | +$686.40 |
| Over 22 | $18,999.90 | $227,999 | +$401.70 |
| Over 24 | $18,999.90 | $227,999 | no change |
| Over 26 | $18,999.90 | $227,999 | no change |
| Over 28 | $18,999.90 | $227,999 | no change |
| Over 30 | $18,999.90 | $227,999 | no change |
| Over 32 | $18,999.90 | $227,999 | no change |
| Over 34 | $18,999.90 | $227,999 | no change |
| Over 36 | $18,999.90 | $227,999 | no change |
| Over 38 | $18,999.90 | $227,999 | no change |
| Over 40 | $18,999.90 | $227,999 | no change |
What an O-8 wears
Rank title in each branch
| Army | Major General |
| Navy | Rear Admiral |
| Marine Corps | Major General |
| Air Force | Major General |
| Space Force | Major General |
| Coast Guard | Rear Admiral |
What an O-8 takes home in total
Basic pay is only part of the picture. At over 6 years, an O-8 earns $15,106.50 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 $17,240.98. 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-8 make a month in 2026?
Basic pay for an O-8 ranges from $13,888.50 a month (2 or less years of service) to $18,999.90 (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-8 pay per year?
$166,662 to $227,999 a year in basic pay alone, before allowances.
Is O-8 pay the same in every branch?
Yes. Basic pay depends only on grade and years of service, so an O-8 in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard is paid from the same table.
