How Much Do You Make in the Reserves Air Force?
The United States Air Force Reserve is a part of the Air Force, comprising of a diverse group of airmen who serve on a part-time basis. As a Reserve airman, you will be required to drill one weekend a month and attend an annual two-week training period, known as Annual Training (AT). But how much do you make in the Reserves Air Force? In this article, we will provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
Basic Pay
The basic pay for Reserve airmen is determined by their rank and time in service. Here is a breakdown of the basic pay rates for Reserve airmen:
| Rank | Time in Service (Years) | Basic Pay (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Airman First Class (A1C) | 2-3 | $1,833.30 |
| Senior Airman (SRA) | 3-6 | $2,042.40 |
| Staff Sergeant (SSgt) | 6-12 | $2,271.60 |
| Technical Sergeant (TSG) | 12-18 | $2,531.40 |
| Master Sergeant (MSG) | 18+ | $2,842.40 |
| Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) | 20+ | $3,164.40 |
Allowances
In addition to basic pay, Reserve airmen may also be eligible for various allowances. These allowances are designed to compensate for specific expenses and are paid on a monthly basis. Here are some of the most common allowances:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): This allowance is designed to help offset the cost of housing. The amount of BAH varies depending on the location and the airman’s family size.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): This allowance is designed to help offset the cost of food. The amount of BAS is fixed at $369.55 per month.
- Special Duty Pay: This allowance is paid to Reserve airmen who are assigned to special duties, such as flying or hazardous duty.
- Incentive Pay: This allowance is paid to Reserve airmen who have certain skills or qualifications, such as language proficiency or medical specialties.
Bonuses and Incentives
The Air Force Reserve offers a range of bonuses and incentives to attract and retain talented airmen. These bonuses and incentives can be significant and can help increase an airman’s overall compensation. Here are some of the most common bonuses and incentives:
- Enlistment Bonus: This bonus is paid to new recruits who enlist in the Air Force Reserve. The amount of the bonus varies depending on the airman’s job and time of enlistment.
- Re-enlistment Bonus: This bonus is paid to airmen who re-enlist in the Air Force Reserve. The amount of the bonus varies depending on the airman’s job and time of re-enlistment.
- Officer Training School (OTS) Bonus: This bonus is paid to officers who complete OTS. The amount of the bonus is $10,000.
- Special Duty Bonus: This bonus is paid to airmen who are assigned to special duties, such as flying or hazardous duty. The amount of the bonus varies depending on the duty.
Education Benefits
The Air Force Reserve offers a range of education benefits to help airmen further their education and career goals. Here are some of the most common education benefits:
- Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB): This benefit provides up to $1,000 per month for education expenses.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill: This benefit provides up to $1,000 per month for education expenses.
- Air Force Tuition Assistance: This benefit provides up to $250 per semester hour for education expenses.
Total Compensation
The total compensation for a Reserve airman includes basic pay, allowances, bonuses, and education benefits. Here is an example of the total compensation for a Reserve airman:
| Rank | Time in Service (Years) | Basic Pay (Monthly) | BAH (Monthly) | BAS (Monthly) | Special Duty Pay (Monthly) | Incentive Pay (Monthly) | Education Benefits (Monthly) | Total Compensation (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airman First Class (A1C) | 2-3 | $1,833.30 | $1,000 | $369.55 | $0 | $0 | $1,000 | $4,203.85 |
| Senior Airman (SRA) | 3-6 | $2,042.40 | $1,200 | $369.55 | $100 | $0 | $1,000 | $4,612.95 |
| Staff Sergeant (SSgt) | 6-12 | $2,271.60 | $1,400 | $369.55 | $200 | $0 | $1,000 | $5,041.70 |
| Technical Sergeant (TSG) | 12-18 | $2,531.40 | $1,600 | $369.55 | $300 | $0 | $1,000 | $5,501.50 |
| Master Sergeant (MSG) | 18+ | $2,842.40 | $1,800 | $369.55 | $400 | $0 | $1,000 | $6,012.95 |
| Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) | 20+ | $3,164.40 | $2,000 | $369.55 | $500 | $0 | $1,000 | $6,034.95 |
Conclusion
The Air Force Reserve offers a range of compensation and benefits to its airmen. While basic pay is an important part of an airman’s compensation, it is not the only factor. Allowances, bonuses, and education benefits can also play a significant role in an airman’s overall compensation. By understanding the different components of compensation, airmen can make informed decisions about their career and financial planning.
