How Much Does an Air Force Officer Make?
The US Air Force is one of the most prestigious and highly respected branches of the United States military. As a member of the Air Force, you’ll have access to a wide range of career opportunities, from aircraft maintenance to combat operations. And, of course, the pay is an important aspect to consider. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the Air Force officer pay scale and answer the question: How much does an Air Force officer make?
Annual Pay Scale
The US Air Force has a very competitive pay scale, especially for officers. Here are the annual pay rates for Air Force officers, depending on their rank and experience:
| Rank | Total Pay (Annual) | Basic Pay (Monthly) | Special Pay (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant (O-1) | $42,411 – $53,541 | $3,516 – $4,453 | $1,344 – $2,694 |
| First Lieutenant (O-2) | $45,941 – $57,741 | $3,812 – $4,819 | $1,502 – $3,184 |
| Captain (O-3) | $49,941 – $62,541 | $4,148 – $5,209 | $1,662 – $3,714 |
| Major (O-4) | $54,941 – $68,541 | $4,579 – $5,729 | 1,832 – $4,254 |
| Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) | $61,441 – $75,541 | $5,119 – $6,295 | 1,962 – $5,014 |
| Colonel (O-6) | $72,441 – $86,541 | $6,053 – $7,215 | 2,184 – $5,790 |
| Brigadier General (O-7) | $84,441 – $98,541 | $7,037 – $8,179 | 2,424 – $6,570 |
| Major General (O-8) | $96,441 – $110,541 | $8,021 – $9,143 | 2,744 – $7,450 |
| Lieutenant General (O-9) | $108,441 – $122,541** | $9,005 – $10,107 | 2,964 – $8,330 |
| General (O-10) | $120,441 – $134,541 | $10,000 – $11,280 | 3,184 – $9,210 |
Hazardous Duty Pay and Special Pay
In addition to their base pay, Air Force officers may be eligible for hazardous duty pay and special pay. Some examples include:
- Hazardous Duty Pay: Additional pay for officers who participate in combat or hazardous activities, such as combat patrols or emergency medical response teams.
- Flight Pay: Additional pay for officers who are pilots or qualified to fly aircraft.
- Language Pay: Additional pay for officers who speak multiple languages.
- Awards and Decorations Pay: Additional pay for officers who receive awards and decorations, such as the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Flying Cross, or Bronze Star.
Benefits Package
The Air Force has a comprehensive benefits package for its officers, including:
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision care.
- Retirement Benefits: A pension plan that offers a guaranteed income for life, as well as Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions.
- Education Benefits: Opportunities to pursue higher education, including Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), and Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Housing Benefits: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to help pay for off-base housing costs.
- Food Benefits: Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) to help pay for food and meals.
Conclusion
As you can see from the table above, the pay scale for Air Force officers is very competitive. With a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for advancement and specialization, the Air Force is an attractive option for those considering a career in the military. Whether you’re interested in flying operations, combat operations, or administrative roles, the Air Force has a place for you. So, what are you waiting for? Join the Air Force today and start your journey towards a rewarding and fulfilling career!
