Question 1

What is armed forces take-home pay in 2026-27?

Accepted Answer

A Private on Level 1 (£23,907 gross, including X-Factor) takes home £19,872/year (£1,656/month) after income tax, NI and 4.5% AFPS 15 contribution. A Sergeant (£38,845) takes home £30,090/year (£2,507/month). A Captain (£51,923) takes home £39,134/year (£3,261/month).

Question 2

What is the X-Factor in armed forces pay?

Accepted Answer

The X-Factor is a 14.5% supplement added to base military pay (called Military Salary). It compensates for the unique demands of service life — unrestricted liability to serve, unsociable hours, frequent separation from family, and operational risk. The X-Factor is included in all published armed forces pay figures.

Question 3

What is the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)?

Accepted Answer

AFPS 15 is a defined benefit career average scheme introduced in April 2015. Employees contribute 4.5% of gross pay; the Ministry of Defence contributes approximately 26%. The Normal Pension Age is 60 for most ranks. An immediate pension is payable from age 55 for those who complete 20 or more years of qualifying service.

Question 4

Do armed forces personnel pay income tax on their pay?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Standard armed forces pay is subject to UK income tax and National Insurance contributions. However, personnel serving on qualifying overseas operations may be exempt from income tax on their pay under the Operational Tax Exemption (OTE) for the duration of the qualifying deployment.

Question 5

What allowances do armed forces personnel receive?

Accepted Answer

In addition to basic pay and the X-Factor, armed forces personnel may receive: Longer Separation Allowance (LSA) for extended absences, specialist pays (flying pay, diving pay, special forces uplifts), Commitment Bonuses at various career points, food and accommodation support under the Pay As You Dine (PAYD) scheme, and operational allowances for deployed service.

Question 6

What is the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB)?

Accepted Answer

The Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB) is an independent advisory body that makes recommendations to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Defence on pay and charges for all UK armed forces. The AFPRB reviews evidence from the Ministry of Defence, considers economic data and civilian pay comparisons, and publishes annual recommendations. The government accepted the AFPRB 2026-27 recommendations in April 2026, resulting in the current pay scales for Army, RAF and Royal Navy.

Question 7

How does Army pay compare to RAF and Royal Navy pay?

Accepted Answer

Basic pay is set by the same AFPRB for all three services and is broadly equivalent at equivalent rank levels. At entry level (Private/Aircraftman/Able Rating): all take home £1,656/month. At Sergeant/Flight Sergeant level: Army and RAF take home £2,507/month; Royal Navy Petty Officer £2,401/month. At Captain/Flight Lieutenant/Lieutenant level: all take home £3,261/month. Differences arise from specialist pays — RAF aircrew receive flying pay; Royal Navy divers receive diving pay.

Grade/Rank	Gross	Take-Home/Year	Monthly Net	Pension	Role
Private / Able Rating L1	£23,907	£19,872	£1,656.00	4.5%	Entry — other ranks
Private / AB Level 5 (competent)	£27,698	£22,465	£1,872.00	4.5%	Competent other rank
Corporal / Leading Rate	£32,234	£25,568	£2,131.00	4.5%	Junior NCO
Sergeant / Petty Officer	£38,845	£30,090	£2,507.00	4.5%	Senior NCO
Warrant Officer Class 2	£47,480	£35,996	£3,000.00	4.5%	Senior Warrant Officer
2nd Lieutenant / Midshipman	£34,614	£27,196	£2,266.00	4.5%	Junior commissioned officer
Lieutenant / Flying Officer	£42,681	£32,713	£2,726.00	4.5%	Mid-rank officer
Captain / Flight Lieutenant	£51,923	£39,134	£3,261.00	4.5%	Company/squadron level
Major / Squadron Leader	£62,282	£44,999	£3,750.00	4.5%	Senior officer

Rank Level	British Army	RAF	Royal Navy	Monthly Take-Home
Entry (Other Ranks)	Private L1	Aircraftman	Able Rating	£1,656/month
Junior NCO	Corporal	Corporal	Leading Rate	£2,175/month
Senior NCO	Sergeant	Sergeant	Petty Officer	£2,507 / £2,401/month
Junior Officer	2nd Lieutenant	Pilot Officer	Midshipman	£2,266/month
Mid-rank Officer	Captain	Flight Lieutenant	Lieutenant	£3,261/month
Senior Officer	Major	Squadron Leader	Lt Commander	£3,750 / £3,796 / £3,447/month

Armed Forces Pay Guide 2026-27

Pay Scale — Take-Home Pay 2026-27

Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (AFPS 15)

Army vs RAF vs Royal Navy — Pay Comparison 2026/27

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pay Guides