What comes out of a military paycheck
Only basic pay is taxed. Housing (BAH) and food (BAS) allowances are paid in full, so the deductions below come out of basic pay alone.
| Deduction | How much |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | Depends on your W-4, filing status and taxable basic pay |
| Social Security | 6.2% of basic pay |
| Medicare | 1.45% of basic pay |
| State income tax | Only if your state of legal residence taxes military pay |
| TSP | The percentage of basic pay you choose; traditional contributions lower your taxable pay |
| SGLI | $0.06 per $1,000 of coverage a month, plus $1 for traumatic injury coverage: $31 at the full $500,000 |
| Armed Forces Retirement Home | $0.50 a month for enlisted members and warrant officers |
Example
An E-5 with over 6 years at Fort Bragg, married, with BAH of $1,806, putting 5% into a traditional TSP and keeping full SGLI, has $6,392.95 in pay and allowances. Taxes, SGLI and the retirement home deduction take about $468, TSP takes $205.50, and roughly $5,720 a month is deposited, about $2,860 on each payday.
Why your paycheck might differ
Allotments, meal deductions, debt repayments, Family SGLI for a spouse, and extra W-4 withholding all change the final amount. Special pays and bonuses add to it. Your Leave and Earnings Statement in myPay lists every line.
Common questions
Do I get paid half on the 1st and half on the 15th? Usually. The mid-month payment is roughly half of your monthly net pay, and the end-of-month payment is the rest after any changes. See 2027 paydays.
Should I pick traditional or Roth TSP? Traditional lowers your tax now; Roth is taxed now and tax-free later. Junior members in low tax brackets often favor Roth. Either way, contribute at least 5% under BRS to get the full government match.
