How Much Do You Make in the Air Force Reserves?
Contents
Introduction
The Air Force Reserves is a division of the United States Air Force that is made up of part-time airmen who serve on a selective basis. Members of the Air Force Reserves train and deploy alongside their full-time active duty counterparts to support national security. Joining the Air Force Reserves can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, not only because of the opportunities to serve one’s country, but also because of the competitive pay and benefits that come with serving. In this article, we will explore the different compensation packages available to members of the Air Force Reserves.
The Different Types of Compensation in the Air Force Reserves
Air Force Reservists are eligible for several types of compensation, including:
• Basic Pay: Basic pay is the base pay received by all members of the Air Force Reserves. It is based on a member’s rank, pay grade, and length of service. Here is a breakdown of the basic pay rates for Air Force Reserve officers and enlisted members as of 2023:
| Rank | Pay Grade | Monthly Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|
| O-1 (2nd Lt) | O-1 | $2,478.40 |
| O-3 (Capt) | O-3 | $3,567.10 |
| O-4 (Major) | O-4 | $4,384.40 |
| E-5 (Sgt) | E-5 | $2,401.40 |
| E-6 (TSgt) | E-6 | $2,854.80 |
| E-7 (MSgt) | E-7 | $3,454.70 |
| E-8 (SMSgt) | E-8 | $4,143.10 |
| E-9 (CMOSS) | E-9 | $4,541.50 |
• Special Pays and Bonuses: Air Force Reservists can receive special pays and bonuses in addition to their basic pay. These can include bonuses for enlisting, deploying, and reenlisting, as well as pays for hazardous duty and deployments. Here are some of the special pays and bonuses available to Air Force Reservists:
- Hazards of Service Pay (HOS): up to $250 per month for hazardous duty
- Deployed Forces Incentive Pay (DFIP): up to $200 per month for deployments
- Mobilization and Active Service Pay (MAS): up to $200 per month for mobilizations and deployments
- Flight Pay (FP): up to $650 per month for flight skills
• Educational Benefits: Air Force Reservists are eligible for education benefits through the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill (PGIB). The MGIB provides up to 36 months of educational benefits, while the PGIB provides up to 4 years of benefits.
- MGIB: 10% of the tuition amount per month, with a maximum of $1009.50 per month
- PGIB: full tuition and fees paid by the VA, plus an annual stipend for housing and books
How Much Money Do You Make in the Air Force Reserves? The Bottom Line
The amount of money you can make in the Air Force Reserves varies depending on your rank, pay grade, length of service, and any special pays or bonuses you are eligible for. Based on the basic pay rates outlined above, here is an estimate of the total pay for Air Force Reserves officers and enlisted members:
| Rank | Estimated Total Pay per Month (based on 2023 pay rates) |
|---|---|
| O-1 (2nd Lt) | $4,500 – $6,000 |
| O-3 (Capt) | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| O-4 (Major) | $9,500 – $14,000 |
| E-5 (Sgt) | $4,200 – $6,300 |
| E-6 (TSgt) | $5,200 – $8,400 |
| E-7 (MSgt) | $6,800 – $11,100 |
| E-8 (SMSgt) | $8,900 – $14,600 |
| E-9 (CMOSS) | $10,600 – $17,000 |
Note that these estimates do not include special pays or bonuses, which can add up to thousands of dollars per year. Additionally, many Air Force Reservists also receive education benefits through the Montgomery GI Bill or Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can provide additional financial support for further education and training.
Conclusion
Joining the Air Force Reserves can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice. Not only do Air Force Reservists have the opportunity to serve their country, but they also receive competitive pay and benefits. With estimates ranging from $4,000 to $17,000 per month, depending on rank and pay grade, Air Force Reservists can earn a decent living while also pursuing their professional and personal goals. If you are considering a career in the Air Force Reserves, we hope this article has provided valuable insight into the compensation and benefits available to you.
