How Much Do Air National Guard Members Make?
The Air National Guard is a Reserve component of the United States Air Force, and like the other military branches, it offers competitive pay and benefits to its members. The amount of money Air National Guard members make can vary depending on their rank, time in service, and the number of drilling days they complete each year.
Base Pay
Air National Guard members are paid a base salary that is the same as the active-duty Air Force, with the same rank structure and pay grades. Here is a breakdown of the annual base pay for Air National Guard members, as of 2022:
- Airman Basic: $1,733 – $1,833
- Airman: $1,933 – $2,033
- Airman First Class: $2,143 – $2,243
- Senior Airman: $2,293 – $2,483
- Staff Sergeant: $2,613 – $2,723
- Technical Sergeant: $3,183 – $3,643
- Master Sergeant: $4,073 – $4,823
- Senior Master Sergeant: $5,043 – $5,983
- Chief Master Sergeant: $5,463 – $6,703
Monthly Drill Pay
In addition to base pay, Air National Guard members also receive monthly drill pay for completing their annual drilling requirement of 15-38 days per year, depending on their unit and the mission requirements. Drill pay varies based on rank and pay grade:
- O-1 (Second Lieutenant) to O-2 (First Lieutenant): $202 – $275 per drill day
- O-3 (Captain) to O-4 (Major): $253 – $360 per drill day
- O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel) and above: $302 – $405 per drill day
- Enlisted personnel (E-1 to E-9): $43 – $202 per drill day
Specialty Pay and Bonuses
Air National Guard members can also earn additional pay for their specialties, such as:
- Language Specialist Pay: $150 – $2,400 per year, depending on the language
- Dental Surgeon Pay: $30,000 – $90,000 per year
- Nurse Practitioner Pay: $80,000 – $110,000 per year
Additionally, the Air National Guard offers bonuses for completing certain tasks or meeting certain requirements, such as:
- Initial Entry: $5,000 to $20,000 sign-on bonus for new enlistees
- Aviation Bonuses: up to $35,000 per year for pilots
- Recruiting Bonuses: up to $10,000 for recruiters
Other Benefits
In addition to their pay, Air National Guard members receive a range of benefits, including:
- Education Assistance: The Montgomery GI Bill, College Fund, and other educational benefits
- Health Insurance: Access to the TRICARE military healthcare system
- Free or Low-Cost Transportation: Air travel for both personal and official use
- Military Housing and Utilities: Commissaries and exchanges, and a range of on-base living options
- Retroactive Pay: Full pay and allowances for full-time service during mobilizations and deployments
Comparison to Active-Duty Air Force Pay
It’s worth noting that Air National Guard pay is generally comparable to the active-duty Air Force pay, although some differences in benefits and perks may apply. Here is a breakdown of the annual base pay for active-duty Air Force officers and enlisted personnel, as of 2022:
- O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $43,744
- O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $98,622
- E-1 (Airman Basic): $22,554
- E-9 (Chief Master Sergeant): $88,647
Conclusion
The amount of money an Air National Guard member can make depends on their rank, time in service, and the number of drilling days they complete each year. While pay may be lower than some active-duty military branches, the benefits and perks offered by the Air National Guard make it a competitive and rewarding option for those interested in military service.
Here is a summary of the pay information discussed in this article:
| Rank | Annual Base Pay (2022) | Monthly Drill Pay (2022) | Specialty Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airman Basic | $1,733 – $1,833 | $43 – $202 per drill day | |
| Airman | $1,933 – $2,033 | $43 – $202 per drill day | |
| Airman First Class | $2,143 – $2,243 | $43 – $202 per drill day | |
| Senior Airman | $2,293 – $2,483 | $43 – $202 per drill day | |
| Staff Sergeant | $2,613 – $2,723 | ||
| Technical Sergeant | $3,183 – $3,643 | ||
| Master Sergeant | $4,073 – $4,823 | ||
| Senior Master Sergeant | $5,043 – $5,983 | ||
| Chief Master Sergeant | $5,463 – $6,703 |
Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general information only and may not be up-to-date or accurate at the time of reading. Pay scales and benefits can change rapidly, and this information may not reflect current pay structures or policies. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the Air National Guard’s official website or a recruiter.
