How Much Do You Get Paid in the Air Force?
Joining the Air Force can be a rewarding and challenging career path, offering a range of benefits and compensation packages to its members. One of the most common questions that potential recruits ask is, "How much do you get paid in the Air Force?" In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the pay scales and benefits that come with serving in the United States Air Force.
Basic Pay
The United States Air Force pays its members a basic salary, also known as basic pay, which is based on the member’s rank and time in service. Here are the basic pay rates for enlisted personnel:
| Rank | Basic Pay (as of 2022) |
|---|---|
| E-1 (Airman Basic) | $1,733.70 – $2,063.70 per month |
| E-2 (Airman) | $2,024.50 – $2,464.50 per month |
| E-3 (Airman First Class) | $2,245.40 – $2,746.40 per month |
| E-4 (Senior Airman) | $2,566.40 – $3,166.40 per month |
| E-5 (Staff Sergeant) | $2,969.40 – $3,569.40 per month |
| E-6 (Technical Sergeant) | $3,439.40 – $4,139.40 per month |
| E-7 (Master Sergeant) | $3,939.40 – $4,439.40 per month |
| E-8 (Senior Master Sergeant) | $4,439.40 – $5,039.40 per month |
| E-9 (Chief Master Sergeant) | $4,939.40 – $5,439.40 per month |
For officers, the basic pay rates are as follows:
| Rank | Basic Pay (as of 2022) |
|---|---|
| O-1 (Second Lieutenant) | $3,407.50 – $4,107.50 per month |
| O-2 (First Lieutenant) | $4,207.50 – $5,207.50 per month |
| O-3 (Captain) | $4,807.50 – $5,807.50 per month |
| O-4 (Major) | $5,707.50 – $6,707.50 per month |
| O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel) | $6,807.50 – $7,807.50 per month |
| O-6 (Colonel) | $7,807.50 – $8,807.50 per month |
| O-7 (Brigadier General) | $8,807.50 – $9,807.50 per month |
| O-8 (Major General) | $9,807.50 – $10,807.50 per month |
| O-9 (Lieutenant General) | $10,807.50 – $11,807.50 per month |
| O-10 (General) | $11,807.50 – $12,807.50 per month |
Allowances
In addition to basic pay, Air Force members also receive various allowances to help cover the cost of living and other expenses. These allowances include:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): A monthly stipend to help cover housing costs.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): A monthly stipend to help cover food and other living expenses.
- Special Duty Pay: Additional pay for members performing special duties, such as intelligence, security, or healthcare.
- Flight Pay: Additional pay for pilots and other aviation personnel.
- Enlisted Remuneration: Additional pay for enlisted personnel performing key leadership roles or holding high-demand skills.
Special Pay
The Air Force also offers special pay programs to recognize and reward the unique skills and experiences of its members. These programs include:
- Sergeant Audie Murphy Club: A special pay program for senior noncommissioned officers who have achieved a high level of physical fitness and leadership skills.
- Flight Surgeon Pay: Additional pay for medical officers who are trained as flight surgeons.
- Aerospace Science and Technology (AS&T) Pay: Additional pay for officers who are members of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board or who are involved in aerospace research and development.
Bonuses and Incentives
The Air Force also offers various bonuses and incentives to attract and retain top talent. These include:
- Enlistment Bonuses: Cash bonuses offered to new recruits who are willing to serve for a certain number of years or in a specific career field.
- Officer Bonuses: Cash bonuses offered to new officers who are willing to serve in a specific career field or for a certain number of years.
- Sign-On Bonuses: Cash bonuses offered to new members who are willing to transfer to a specific base or unit.
- Flight Pay Bonuses: Additional pay for pilots who fly high-demand aircraft or complete certain training programs.
Conclusion
Joining the Air Force can be a rewarding and challenging career path, offering a range of benefits and compensation packages to its members. From basic pay to allowances, special pay, and bonuses and incentives, the Air Force offers a comprehensive compensation package that recognizes and rewards its members’ hard work and dedication. Whether you’re an enlisted member or an officer, the Air Force has a compensation package that can help you achieve your financial goals and support your family.
