What Is Starting Pay as an Officer in the Air Force?
- As of September 2011, all enlisted members of the Air Force start with pay ranging from $17,604 to $86,352 per year. This pay range covers the gamut of pay grades and positions: E1 - Airman Basic, E2 - Airman, E3 - Airman First Class, E4 - Senior Airman, E5 - Staff Sergeant, E6 - Technical Sergeant, E7 - Master Sergeant, E8 - Senior Master Sergeant and E9 - Chief Master Sergeant.
- If you have no prior education or experience when entering the Air Force, you’ll start in the position of E1 - Airman Basic. This entitles you to a base pay rate of $17,604 no matter how many years of military service you’ve served. Pay doesn’t begin to shift based on years of service until you’re classed as E3 - Airman First Class, and have served over two years.
- Enlisting in the Air Force entitles you to a number of benefits that positively impact your finances. You’ll receive medical, dental and life insurance packages, as well as paid sick leave and vacation time each year. While these benefits are fiscally important, perhaps the most impressive benefit is pay for continuing education while you’re on active duty. The Air Force offers several programs to its enlisted officers, including the Air Force Technical Degree Sponsorship Program. If you’re accepted into this program, you’ll receive full pay as an E3 - Airman First Class while you’re attending school full time. You’ll also receive food and housing allowances, as well as medical and dental benefits. If you have existing college debt and are considering enlisting in the air force, the College Loan Repayment Program may entitle you to payment of up to $10,000 of your existing outstanding student loans.
- The monetary benefits to becoming an Air Force officer are greater than your salary alone. In addition to the educational benefits listed above, 100 percent of any postgraduate tuition fees you are charged can be paid via the Air Force’s tuition assistance program. Depending on the field you choose, you may be eligible for a $17,000 signing bonus upon enlistment. While enlisted, you can choose to live on-base or off-base; if you live off-base, you’ll receive a housing allowance as well. Finally, you’ll be eligible for retirement after 20 years of service at 50 percent of your base pay rate.