Intro
Discover the US Air Force salary structure, including ranks and pay grades. Learn about the compensation and benefits for airmen, from entry-level to senior ranks. Understand how pay scales vary based on time in service, rank, and specialty. Get insights into the US Air Force pay chart and make informed decisions about your military career.
The United States Air Force is one of the most prestigious and respected branches of the US military, with a long history of defending the country and its interests. As a member of the US Air Force, individuals can expect to receive a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. In this article, we will explore the US Air Force salary structure, including the various ranks and pay grades, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the compensation and benefits offered to airmen.
Understanding the US Air Force Rank Structure
The US Air Force uses a tiered rank structure, with each rank representing a different level of responsibility, experience, and compensation. The ranks are divided into three main categories: enlisted, officer, and warrant officer. Within each category, there are multiple pay grades, each with its own salary range.
Enlisted Ranks and Pay Grades
The enlisted ranks in the US Air Force are divided into nine pay grades, ranging from E-1 (Airman Basic) to E-9 (Chief Master Sergeant).
- E-1: Airman Basic (AB)
- E-2: Airman (AMN)
- E-3: Airman First Class (A1C)
- E-4: Senior Airman (SrA)
- E-5: Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
- E-6: Technical Sergeant (TSgt)
- E-7: Master Sergeant (MSgt)
- E-8: Senior Master Sergeant (SMsgt)
- E-9: Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt)
Officer Ranks and Pay Grades
The officer ranks in the US Air Force are divided into 10 pay grades, ranging from O-1 (Second Lieutenant) to O-10 (General).
- O-1: Second Lieutenant (2d Lt)
- O-2: First Lieutenant (1st Lt)
- O-3: Captain (Capt)
- O-4: Major (Maj)
- O-5: Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)
- O-6: Colonel (Col)
- O-7: Brigadier General (Brig Gen)
- O-8: Major General (Maj Gen)
- O-9: Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)
- O-10: General (Gen)
Warrant Officer Ranks and Pay Grades
The warrant officer ranks in the US Air Force are divided into five pay grades, ranging from W-1 (Warrant Officer 1) to W-5 (Chief Warrant Officer 5).
- W-1: Warrant Officer 1 (WO1)
- W-2: Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2)
- W-3: Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3)
- W-4: Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4)
- W-5: Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5)
US Air Force Salary Ranges
The salary ranges for each rank and pay grade in the US Air Force vary based on factors such as time in service, location, and specialty. Here are some approximate salary ranges for each rank and pay grade:
- Enlisted:
- E-1: $1,733 - $2,043 per month
- E-2: $1,942 - $2,344 per month
- E-3: $2,044 - $2,544 per month
- E-4: $2,344 - $3,044 per month
- E-5: $2,654 - $3,354 per month
- E-6: $3,054 - $4,054 per month
- E-7: $3,454 - $4,654 per month
- E-8: $4,054 - $5,354 per month
- E-9: $5,054 - $6,354 per month
- Officer:
- O-1: $3,287 - $4,287 per month
- O-2: $3,787 - $4,987 per month
- O-3: $4,287 - $5,487 per month
- O-4: $5,087 - $6,287 per month
- O-5: $6,287 - $7,487 per month
- O-6: $7,487 - $8,687 per month
- O-7: $8,687 - $9,887 per month
- O-8: $9,887 - $11,087 per month
- O-9: $11,087 - $12,287 per month
- O-10: $12,287 - $13,487 per month
- Warrant Officer:
- W-1: $3,287 - $4,287 per month
- W-2: $3,787 - $4,987 per month
- W-3: $4,287 - $5,487 per month
- W-4: $5,087 - $6,287 per month
- W-5: $6,287 - $7,487 per month
Additional Benefits and Allowances
In addition to their base salary, members of the US Air Force may also receive additional benefits and allowances, such as:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
- Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
- Special Duty Pay
- Hazardous Duty Pay
- Jump Pay
- Dive Pay
- Flight Pay
These benefits and allowances can significantly impact an individual's overall compensation and quality of life.
Gallery of US Air Force Ranks and Pay Grades
US Air Force Ranks and Pay Grades Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for an Airman Basic in the US Air Force?
+The starting salary for an Airman Basic in the US Air Force is approximately $1,733 per month.
How many pay grades are there in the US Air Force?
+There are 9 pay grades for enlisted personnel, 10 pay grades for officers, and 5 pay grades for warrant officers in the US Air Force.
What are the additional benefits and allowances that US Air Force members may receive?
+US Air Force members may receive additional benefits and allowances such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), Special Duty Pay, Hazardous Duty Pay, Jump Pay, Dive Pay, and Flight Pay.
We hope this article has provided a comprehensive understanding of the US Air Force salary structure, including the various ranks and pay grades. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about the US Air Force, please don't hesitate to reach out.