How Much Do Reserve Air Force Make?
The United States Air Force Reserve is a component of the United States Air Force that provides trained and equipped units to support the active duty Air Force. As a reserve airman, you can serve part-time while pursuing a civilian career or attending school. One of the most common questions people ask about the Air Force Reserve is how much they can earn. In this article, we will provide an overview of the pay scales for Air Force Reserve members.
Direct Answer: How Much Do Reserve Air Force Make?
The pay for Air Force Reserve members varies based on their rank, years of service, and job specialty. Here is a breakdown of the basic pay rates for Air Force Reserve members:
| Rank | O-1 (Second Lieutenant) | O-2 (First Lieutenant) | O-3 (Captain) | O-4 (Major) | O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel) | O-6 (Colonel) | O-7 (Brigadier General) | O-8 (Major General) | O-9 (Lieutenant General) | O-10 (General) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | $3,287.10 | $4,191.50 | $5,295.30 | $6,399.10 | $7,503.00 | $8,607.00 | $9,711.00 | $10,815.00 | $11,919.00 | $12,923.00 |
Basic Pay vs. Drill Pay
In addition to basic pay, Air Force Reserve members also receive drill pay for attending drills and training sessions. Drill pay is a flat rate of $200 per drill period, which is typically 1-2 days per month. This means that Reserve members can earn an additional $200-$400 per month, depending on their drill schedule.
Allowances and Bonuses
In addition to basic pay and drill pay, Air Force Reserve members may also be eligible for various allowances and bonuses. These include:
- Housing Allowance: A monthly stipend to help offset the cost of housing
- Food Allowance: A monthly stipend to help offset the cost of food
- Special Duty Pay: Additional pay for performing special duties, such as working as a recruiter or instructor
- Flight Pay: Additional pay for pilots and aircrew members
- Enlistment Bonuses: One-time bonuses for enlisting in the Air Force Reserve
- Re-enlistment Bonuses: One-time bonuses for re-enlisting in the Air Force Reserve
Total Compensation
To give you a better idea of the total compensation for Air Force Reserve members, here is a breakdown of the average annual compensation for Reserve members at different ranks:
| Rank | Basic Pay | Drill Pay | Allowances | Bonuses | Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-1 | $40,244 | $2,400 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $45,144 |
| O-2 | $52,094 | $2,400 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $57,094 |
| O-3 | $64,944 | $2,400 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $70,944 |
| O-4 | $77,794 | $2,400 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $83,794 |
| O-5 | $90,644 | $2,400 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $96,644 |
| O-6 | $103,494 | $2,400 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $109,494 |
| O-7 | $116,344 | $2,400 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $122,344 |
| O-8 | $129,194 | $2,400 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $135,194 |
| O-9 | $142,044 | $2,400 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $148,044 |
| O-10 | $154,894 | $2,400 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $160,894 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the pay for Air Force Reserve members varies based on their rank, years of service, and job specialty. In addition to basic pay, Reserve members also receive drill pay, allowances, and bonuses. The total compensation for Air Force Reserve members can range from around $40,000 to over $160,000 per year, depending on their rank and other factors. If you are considering joining the Air Force Reserve, it is important to consider all of these factors when determining your total compensation.
