Intro
Discover the 7 Air Force salary ranges to understand military pay scales. Learn about basic pay, allowances, and special pays for enlisted personnel and officers. Get insight into Air Force salary charts, ranks, and benefits, including housing and food allowances, to make informed decisions about your military career.
Being part of the Air Force can be a rewarding and challenging career, offering a unique blend of personal and professional growth opportunities. One of the key benefits of serving in the Air Force is the competitive salary and benefits package. However, understanding the various Air Force salary ranges can be complex, as they are influenced by factors such as rank, time in service, and job specialty. In this article, we will delve into the different Air Force salary ranges, helping you navigate the compensation structure and make informed decisions about your military career.
1. Basic Pay Scale
The basic pay scale is the foundation of the Air Force's compensation system. It is based on a combination of rank and time in service, with higher ranks and more years of service resulting in higher salaries. The basic pay scale is divided into nine pay grades, ranging from E-1 (Airman Basic) to E-9 (Chief Master Sergeant). Within each pay grade, there are multiple steps, with each step representing a higher salary.
Basic Pay Scale Ranges
- E-1 (Airman Basic): $1,733.10 - $1,733.10 per month
- E-2 (Airman): $1,942.50 - $2,044.70 per month
- E-3 (Airman First Class): $2,043.70 - $2,303.70 per month
- E-4 (Senior Airman): $2,307.80 - $2,757.40 per month
- E-5 (Staff Sergeant): $2,768.30 - $3,426.60 per month
- E-6 (Technical Sergeant): $3,031.10 - $4,171.90 per month
- E-7 (Master Sergeant): $3,684.80 - $5,113.70 per month
- E-8 (Senior Master Sergeant): $4,454.90 - $6,258.50 per month
- E-9 (Chief Master Sergeant): $5,472.90 - $7,531.90 per month
2. Allowances and Special Pays
In addition to basic pay, Air Force personnel may be eligible for various allowances and special pays, which can significantly impact their overall salary. These include:
Types of Allowances and Special Pays
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): varies by location and rank
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): $369.39 per month
- Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): varies by location
- Hazardous Duty Pay: $150 - $250 per month
- Jump Pay: $150 - $250 per month
- Flying Pay: $150 - $250 per month
3. Officer Salary Ranges
Air Force officers are paid based on their rank and time in service, with higher ranks and more years of service resulting in higher salaries. Officer salary ranges vary depending on the specific rank and branch.
Officer Salary Ranges
- O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $3,287.10 - $4,136.40 per month
- O-2 (First Lieutenant): $3,788.70 - $5,131.70 per month
- O-3 (Captain): $4,513.90 - $6,479.50 per month
- O-4 (Major): $5,546.20 - $8,332.30 per month
- O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $6,829.20 - $10,669.50 per month
- O-6 (Colonel): $8,323.80 - $13,472.30 per month
4. Enlisted Salary Ranges
Enlisted personnel in the Air Force are paid based on their rank and time in service, with higher ranks and more years of service resulting in higher salaries. Enlisted salary ranges vary depending on the specific rank and branch.
Enlisted Salary Ranges
- E-1 (Airman Basic): $1,733.10 - $1,733.10 per month
- E-2 (Airman): $1,942.50 - $2,044.70 per month
- E-3 (Airman First Class): $2,043.70 - $2,303.70 per month
- E-4 (Senior Airman): $2,307.80 - $2,757.40 per month
- E-5 (Staff Sergeant): $2,768.30 - $3,426.60 per month
5. Special Duty Pay
Special duty pay is a type of pay that is awarded to Air Force personnel who perform specific duties that are considered hazardous, difficult, or require special skills. Examples of special duty pay include:
Types of Special Duty Pay
- Hazardous Duty Pay: $150 - $250 per month
- Jump Pay: $150 - $250 per month
- Flying Pay: $150 - $250 per month
- Special Duty Pay for Special Operations Forces: $500 - $1,000 per month
6. Education and Training Benefits
The Air Force offers various education and training benefits to help personnel advance their careers and achieve their educational goals. These benefits include:
Types of Education and Training Benefits
- Tuition Assistance: up to $4,500 per year
- Military Tuition Assistance: up to $4,500 per year
- Air Force ROTC Scholarships: up to $18,000 per year
- Community College of the Air Force (CCAF): associate's degree in applied science
7. Retirement Benefits
The Air Force offers a comprehensive retirement benefits package to help personnel plan for their future. This package includes:
Types of Retirement Benefits
- High-3 Retirement Plan: based on the average of the highest 36 months of basic pay
- Final Pay Retirement Plan: based on the final month's basic pay
- Redux Retirement Plan: based on the average of the highest 36 months of basic pay, with a 1% annual cost-of-living adjustment
Air Force Salary Ranges Image Gallery
What is the starting salary for an Air Force officer?
+The starting salary for an Air Force officer varies depending on rank and time in service. However, the base pay for an O-1 (Second Lieutenant) is $3,287.10 per month.
How much do Air Force personnel receive in allowances and special pays?
+Air Force personnel may receive various allowances and special pays, including Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). The amount of these allowances and special pays varies depending on rank, time in service, and location.
What is the maximum amount of tuition assistance available to Air Force personnel?
+The maximum amount of tuition assistance available to Air Force personnel is $4,500 per year.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the various Air Force salary ranges and benefits. Remember to consider all the factors that influence your salary, including rank, time in service, and job specialty. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article with your friends and family who may be interested in joining the Air Force.