Air Force Physician Assistant Salary And Benefits Explained

The United States Air Force is one of the most respected and technologically advanced militaries in the world, and as a physician assistant (PA) in the Air Force, you have the opportunity to serve your country while providing high-quality medical care to service members and their families. But what are the salary and benefits of an Air Force physician assistant?

As a PA in the Air Force, your salary and benefits will depend on your rank, time in service, and other factors. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect.

Basic Pay and Allowances

As a PA in the Air Force, your basic pay will be based on your rank and time in service. According to the Air Force's pay chart, a PA with a bachelor's degree and no prior service can expect to start at around $3,287 per month, which is approximately $39,444 per year. However, this can vary depending on your specific qualifications and experience.

In addition to basic pay, you'll also receive allowances to help cover the cost of living expenses such as housing, food, and other necessities. These allowances can include:

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): This allowance helps cover the cost of housing, and the amount varies depending on your location and family size.
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): This allowance helps cover the cost of food, and the amount is currently $369.39 per month for officers.
Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): This allowance helps cover the cost of living expenses in areas with a high cost of living.

Special Pay and Bonuses

As a PA in the Air Force, you may be eligible for special pay and bonuses, including:

Special Duty Pay: This pay is awarded to PAs who serve in special duty assignments, such as in the operating room or in administrative roles.
Hazardous Duty Pay: This pay is awarded to PAs who serve in hazardous duty assignments, such as in combat zones or in areas with high risk of injury or illness.
Bonus Pay: The Air Force offers bonus pay to PAs who sign on for a certain number of years or who serve in critical specialties.

Benefits

As a PA in the Air Force, you'll receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: You'll have access to high-quality medical, dental, and vision care for you and your family.
Retirement Plan: The Air Force offers a retirement plan that includes a pension and other benefits after 20 years of service.
Paid Time Off: You'll receive 30 days of paid vacation per year, as well as 10 federal holidays and other paid time off.
Education Benefits: The Air Force offers education benefits, including tuition assistance and the GI Bill, to help you further your education and career.
Housing and Subsistence Allowance: You'll receive an allowance to help cover the cost of housing and food.
Access to On-Base Facilities: You'll have access to on-base facilities, including fitness centers, libraries, and shopping centers.

Student Loan Forgiveness

The Air Force offers student loan forgiveness programs to help you pay off your student loans. These programs include:

The Air Force Financial Assistance Program (FAP): This program provides financial assistance to PAs who are serving in critical specialties or who have a high level of debt.
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program: This program provides loan repayment assistance to PAs who serve in underserved areas.

Rank and Promotion

As a PA in the Air Force, you'll have the opportunity to advance in rank and promotion. The Air Force uses a system of promotion to recognize and reward your service and performance. Here's a breakdown of the typical promotion path for a PA in the Air Force:

Second Lieutenant (2d Lt): This is the entry-level rank for a PA in the Air Force.
First Lieutenant (1st Lt): This rank is typically achieved after one to two years of service.
Captain (Capt): This rank is typically achieved after three to four years of service.
Major (Maj): This rank is typically achieved after six to eight years of service.
Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col): This rank is typically achieved after 10 to 12 years of service.
Colonel (Col): This rank is typically achieved after 15 to 20 years of service.

Specialty Pay

As a PA in the Air Force, you may be eligible for specialty pay, which is awarded to PAs who serve in critical specialties or who have specialized skills. Some examples of specialty pay include:

Flight Surgeon Pay: This pay is awarded to PAs who serve as flight surgeons.
Operating Room Pay: This pay is awarded to PAs who serve in the operating room.
Emergency Medicine Pay: This pay is awarded to PAs who serve in emergency medicine.

Conclusion

As a PA in the Air Force, you'll have the opportunity to serve your country while providing high-quality medical care to service members and their families. With a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities for advancement and promotion, and specialty pay for critical specialties, the Air Force offers a rewarding and challenging career for PAs.

Air Force Physician Assistant Image Gallery

What is the starting salary for a PA in the Air Force?

The starting salary for a PA in the Air Force is around $3,287 per month, which is approximately $39,444 per year.

What benefits does the Air Force offer to PAs?

The Air Force offers a comprehensive benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, education benefits, housing and subsistence allowance, and access to on-base facilities.

How do I become a PA in the Air Force?

To become a PA in the Air Force, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements, which include being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 39, and having a bachelor's degree from an accredited program.