How is military retirement pay calculated?

Military retirement pay is calculated using the formula: Years of Service × 2.5% × High-3 Average (for High-3 system) or Years of Service × 2.0% × High-3 Average (for BRS). With 20 years of service under High-3, you receive 50% of your highest 36-month base pay average.

What civilian salary do I need after military retirement?

The civilian salary you need depends on your military retirement pay, VA disability (if any), state taxes, and desired lifestyle. Our calculator factors in all these elements to show you the exact civilian income needed to maintain your standard of living.

How does divorce affect my military retirement pay?

Under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA), state courts can award your former spouse up to 50% of your disposable retired pay. The amount depends on the coverture fraction (months married during service divided by total service months) and the court-ordered percentage. For divorces after December 23, 2016, the Frozen Benefit Rule may apply, limiting the calculation to your rank and years of service at the time of divorce rather than retirement.

Military Retirement Calculator

Find the civilian salary you need after factoring in retirement pay, VA disability, and taxes

Military Retirement Pay Auto-Calculated

Retirement Rank

Years of Service

Retirement System

Joined before Jan 1, 2018? You're likely High-3.

Calculated Monthly Retirement Pay (Gross): $0

Using High-3 method: (Years × 2.5%) × Average Base Pay = 50.0% of base pay

Divorce Impact on Retirement Pay Optional

I was divorced during military service

How is the former spouse's share determined?

Former Spouse's Percentage of Disposable Retired Pay

Enter the percentage from your divorce decree (max 50% of disposable retired pay per USFSPA)

Frozen Benefit Rule applies

Applies to divorces finalized after Dec 23, 2016, while still on active duty. The former spouse's share is based on your rank and years of service at the time of divorce, not at retirement.

Rank at Time of Divorce

Years of Service at Time of Divorce

Former Spouse's Monthly Share: $0

Based on USFSPA (10 U.S.C. § 1408)

Your Remaining Retirement Pay: $0

Read our complete USFSPA guide for detailed explanations of the coverture fraction, frozen benefit rule, and what's NOT divisible.

VA Disability Compensation

Disability Rating

Dependents (affects 30%+ ratings)

Spouse

Children (under 18)

School Children (18-23 in school)

Dependent Parents

VA Disability Compensation (Tax-Free): $0

2026 rates including all dependents

Monthly Expenses

Total Monthly Expenses (or enter details below)

Additional Household Income

Include Spouse's Salary

Tax Information

Filing Status

Retirement State Smart Tax Calculator

☕

This calculator is free for all veterans. If it helps, consider supporting us!

Support

Your Target Civilian Salary

Gross annual salary needed

The Breakdown

Monthly Expenses $0

Military Retirement (after tax) $0

VA Disability (tax-free) $0

Total Military Income $0

Monthly Gap to Fill $0

Required Net Civilian Salary (monthly) $0

Equivalent Hourly Rate $0

Based on 40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year

Next Steps

✓ Use this number when negotiating job offers
✓ Consider cost of living differences by location
✓ Factor in employer benefits (health insurance, 401k match)
✓ Remember: VA disability is tax-free and doesn't count toward income

Recommended Resources

Trusted financial services for transitioning service members

USAA Insurance & Banking

Exclusive financial services for military members and families

Military-exclusive →

Navy Federal Credit Union

Banking, loans, and credit cards built for military families

Join now →

Veterans United Home Loans

#1 VA home loan lender - use your VA benefits

Get started →

SoFi Student Loan Refinancing

Lower your student loan payments and save thousands

Check rates →

Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you sign up through these links at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services we trust and that benefit transitioning service members.

All calculations are estimates. Divorce calculations are based on USFSPA guidelines; consult a military divorce attorney for personalized advice.

Made for transitioning service members 🇺🇸