Courage rewarded: Armed Forces personnel to get above-inflation pay rise of 3.6%

The Armed Forces are set to receive a 3.6% pay rise – the third above-inflation increase in a row, with inflation currently sitting at 3%.

The latest increase means personnel will have received a cumulative pay award of 14.1% since July 2024.

The Government said the move was a step to turn around the recruitment and retention crisis, with the average military salary rising to £45,710.

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Professionalism, dedication and courage

"Our people are the heart of our defence," said Defence Secretary John Healey.

"I am deeply grateful to our Armed Forces, who make extraordinary sacrifices along with their families to keep our nation safe 24/7.

"As demands on defence rise, we ask more of our personnel. This third inflation-busting pay award recognises their dedication and skill, and demonstrates this Government's commitment to renew the nation's contract with those who serve."

The move was welcomed by the head of the Armed Forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton.

"This pay award is an important part of how we recognise the important role and the valuable service the people or our Armed Forces play in keeping our country safe," said the Chief of the Defence Staff.

"Our people serve with great professionalism, dedication and courage. Pay, accommodation, family support and welfare are all part of the support that helps ensure that our people are ready for whatever we ask of them.

"We will continue to work to make sure that this meets the needs of our people."

By the numbers

Starting salaries for non-commissioned ranks will increase by nearly £1,000 a year to £27,282, benefiting around 14,250 of the most junior personnel.

Starting pay for junior officers will rise £1,250 to £35,926.

This ensures that the most junior sailors, soldiers and aviators who choose a full-time career in the Armed Forces continue to receive the National Living Wage.

The package includes a 3.6% rise in targeted payments for specialist skills and roles, and a retention payment for Royal Navy submariners, addressing critical retention challenges in this specialist area.

Nursing specialists will benefit from the introduction of a Nursing Professionals' pay structure and an increased Golden Hello to attract direct entrants into specialisms with workforce capability gaps.

The total strength of the Armed Forces now stands at 183,410, up by 1,510 over the past year.

More people are now joining than leaving, meaning numbers are now increasing for the first time in several years, while in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, fewer personnel are choosing to leave.