The highest military pay for an active-duty officer is associated with the rank of O-10, which is a four-star general or admiral, with an annual base pay of approximately $203,688 as of 2022. However, once an officer attains this four-star rank, their pay is capped, meaning they do not receive additional pay increases regardless of further years of service. The monthly pay for a four-star officer is typically around $16,974, which includes basic pay and allowances. This cap reflects the highest level of military compensation for commissioned officers and is designed to maintain pay equity among senior leaders while recognizing their leadership roles within the armed forces.