Jump Pay Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep jump pay if I am hospitalized?

Yes - jump pay continues for up to 3 consecutive months of authorized absence from the jump-coded billet, and longer with an approved waiver.

Do I get jump pay during airborne school?

Generally no - you must already be assigned to a jump-coded position and on jump-pay orders. Airborne school students earn it only after graduation and assignment to a qualifying billet.

Are reservists eligible for jump pay?

Yes - Reserve and Guard members on jump orders earn pro-rated HDIP-P based on training points and days in jump status.

Does jump pay count toward TSP contributions?

Yes - like all military pay it is includable wages for TSP contribution purposes.

Does jump pay count toward the High-3 retirement?

No - only base pay enters the High-3 retirement calculation. HDIP-P is excluded from the retirement formula.

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Estimates for informational purposes only.

Important Disclaimer: Estimates for informational purposes only.

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results are based on assumptions and may not reflect actual outcomes. Consult qualified professionals in relevant fields before making important decisions based on these results.

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How It Works

Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP) for Parachute Duty - commonly called jump pay - is a monthly incentive paid to service members on jump status. The 2026 standard rate is $150/month for static-line parachute duty, and the higher $225/month rate applies to military free-fall (HALO/HAHO) qualified jumpers on orders requiring free-fall jumps.

Both rates are taxable as ordinary income and require five qualifying jumps in the preceding twelve months to maintain eligibility. This calculator returns monthly, annual, and total earnings over a chosen number of months on jump status, and checks whether the five-jumps-in-twelve-months currency rule is met.

Eligibility

Jump pay (HDIP-P) requires both a qualifying billet assignment and currency maintenance. Key criteria include:

Assignment to a jump-coded position by paragraph and line number on the unit's MTOE or TDA.

Designation on monthly jump-pay orders by the unit commander.

Completion of five qualifying jumps within the preceding twelve consecutive months.

HALO/free-fall rate requires orders specifically authorizing military free-fall duty, not just a HALO qualification badge.

Reserve and Guard members on jump orders earn pro-rated HDIP-P based on training points and days.

Tips

Never let your jump currency lapse - a single missed quarter can end the pay streak, and back-pay is not authorized for gap months.

Transferring to another jump-coded unit preserves your currency and pay continuity as long as there is no gap in orders.

Jump pay remains active during hospitalization or authorized absence from the jump-coded billet for up to 3 consecutive months (longer with a waiver).

HDIP-P is taxable income - it does not receive the Combat Zone Tax Exclusion unless the jump itself is performed in a designated combat zone.

You can hold both HDIP-P and one other HDIP simultaneously, but statute caps at two HDIPs and uses the lower rate for each.

FAQ