Civilian Pay vs Military Pay

Civilian Pay Equal to Military Take-Home

Figure out the gross civilian salary needed to match a military service member's take-home pay, accounting for tax-free allowances.

Inputs

Military base pay (annual, taxable) ($)

BAH — Basic Allowance for Housing (annual) ($)

BAS — Basic Allowance for Subsistence (annual) ($)

Other tax-free pay (annual) ($)

Federal tax rate on base pay (%)

State tax rate (%)

FICA (%)

Civilian combined tax rate (%)

Results

Equivalent civilian salary

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Military take-home

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Tax-free portion

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Military taxes paid

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Civilian tax cost

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BAH, BAS, CZTE, and certain other military pays are federal tax-free. State rules vary. Real comparisons should also consider healthcare (Tricare), retirement (TSP + pension), commissary access, and moving benefits.