Army pay scales 2026/27
Army pay follows the tri-service Pay16 structure: a soldier's salary is set by rank, increment level and the pay supplement their trade sits in, then the 14.5% X-Factor is added for the conditions of service life.
3.6% award verified · ranges indicative · Written ministerial statement, 9 June 2026
| Rank | NATO code | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| Private | OR-2 | £27,282 – £41,164 |
| Lance Corporal | OR-3 | £35,310 – £41,164 |
| Corporal | OR-4 | £40,989 – £48,497 |
| Sergeant | OR-6 | £46,022 – £56,611 |
| Staff Sergeant | OR-7 | £51,615 – £65,249 |
| Rank | NATO code | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant / Lieutenant | OF-1 | £35,925 – £47,351 |
| Captain | OF-2 | £54,716 – £64,852 |
| Major | OF-3 | £68,624 – £81,960 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | OF-4 | £95,850 – £110,806 |
| Colonel | OF-5 | £115,881 – £127,272 |
Ranges run from the lowest increment on the lowest trade supplement to the highest on the highest. Infantry, logistics and most combat arms sit in the lower supplements; technical trades such as Royal Signals technicians and REME aircraft engineers sit higher, which is why two corporals can be several thousand pounds apart.
Common questions
How much does the Army pay in 2026/27?
Soldiers start around £27,282 a year after initial training, with a sergeant (OR-6) earning £46,022 to £56,611. All ranks received the 3.6% rise from 1 April 2026.
Does the Army pay more than the other services?
No. One tri-service pay structure covers the Army, Royal Navy and RAF, so equivalent ranks earn the same; only trade supplements and service-specific allowances differ.
Is a pension deducted from Army pay?
No. The Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 is non-contributory, so nothing comes out of pay for it.