How much does the Air Force pay?

Author: Estefania Haag  |  Last update: Thursday, August 28, 2025

The average U.S. Air Force salary ranges from approximately $33,600 per year for Armed Security Officer to $151,251 per year for Systems Integration Engineer. Average U.S. Air Force hourly pay ranges from approximately $13.55 per hour for Guest Service Agent to $35.42 per hour for Aircraft Mechanic Supervisor.

How much do Air Force get paid?

How much does U.S. Air Force - Military in the United States pay? The average U.S. Air Force salary ranges from approximately $34,681 per year for Senior Airman to $100,083 per year for Commander.

Does the Air Force pay for living?

Food & Housing

The Air Force and Space Force take care of the basic needs of every Airman and Guardian. Living expenses, including utilities and maintenance, are covered for those who choose to live in on-base housing.

Is Air Force worth it?

Yeah, absolutely! You'll get the chance to travel the world on Uncle Sam's dime and being Air Force means you'll be traveling better than any other branch of the US military. You'll have better food, rec facilities, housing and not any of the harsh discipline like you would get in the Marines.

Is it hard to get into Air Force?

This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are. The acceptance rate at United States Air Force Academy is 13.9%. For every 100 applicants, only 14 are admitted. This means the school is extremely selective.

The Truth About Military Pay in 2024

What branch pays the most?

Which military branch pays the most? All branches of the U.S. military offer the same base pay based on rank and years of service. However, other factors can impact a military member's pay, including: Special pay: Some service members receive additional pay based on their job specialty or tasks performed.

How long is Air Force training?

Basic Military Training (BMT) runs for approximately 7.5 weeks and is held at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.

Do you get paid in basic training?

Do you get paid in Basic Training? Yes, you do get paid in Basic Training on the first and fifteenth of every month. The amount depends on your rank. See salaries by rank on the Money & Pay page.

Will the Air Force pay my rent?

Housing. Most bases have full-size homes in residential areas on base for Airmen and their families. For those who are authorized to live off base, you'll receive a housing allowance that can be used to pay for off-base housing.

What is the signing bonus for the Air Force?

The U.S. Air Force has added new opportunities for qualified future Airmen to receive bonuses up to $40k upon entering active-duty service. All Air Force bonuses are earned upon completion of training and a six-year commitment.

What is the age limit for the Air Force?

Eligibility criteria: Age - 20 to 24 years (at the time of commencement of course). Upper age limit for Candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years(at the time of commencement of course).

How long do I have to be in the Air Force to get free college?

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

Generally, if you served at least 2 years on active duty and you meet the requirements listed here, you may be eligible for benefits through MGIB-AD.

What military job pays the most?

That being said, the following examples include some of the highest paid jobs in the military across all branches:
  • Captain. ...
  • First officer. ...
  • Intelligence specialist. ...
  • Aircraft mechanic. ...
  • Army IT professional. ...
  • Contract recruiter. ...
  • Information security analyst. ...
  • Flight instructor.

Is military pay taxed?

While all pays are taxable, most allowances are tax-exempt. The primary allowances for most individuals are BAS and BAH, which are tax-exempt. Conus COLA is one allowance that is taxable. A law change mandated that every allowance created after 1986 would be taxable.

Is Air Force a full time job?

Yes, while most of the Air Force Reserve careers are part time, we offer numerous full-time careers for those who are willing. These positions are available to you once you've been fully trained and established in your Reserve unit.

How do I pay my bills while in basic training?

To keep from falling behind and possibly damaging your credit rating, consider setting up automatic bill pay before you leave. If you prefer not to use automatic bill pay, consider prepaying your bills or putting someone you trust in charge of paying them.

Do you get paid during residency?

The short answer is, yes, you do.

The amount might be less than what you had hoped for after years of investing in your medical education, but it's still an income.

What are the benefits of joining the Airforce?

Benefits include:
  • 30 days of vacation with pay every year.
  • Comprehensive medical and dental for you, and if married, your immediate family.
  • Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]
  • Tax-free food, clothing and housing allowances.
  • Discounted shopping at base department and grocery stores.
  • Low-cost life insurance.

How long is an Air Force contract?

When you enlist in the Air Force, you incur an overall eight-year military service obligation with the option of a four- or six-year active-duty service commitment to the Air Force. Qualified individuals who enlist for four years active duty will incur an Inactive Ready Reserve obligation of four years.

What are the requirements to be in the Air Force?

All prospective cadet candidates must:
  • Be at least 17 years old and not have passed their 22 birthday by July 1 of the year they enter the Preparatory School.
  • Be eligible to be a U.S. citizen.
  • Be unmarried and have no dependents.
  • Meet specific medical standards for a commission in the Air Force.

Do you go home after basic training in the Air Force?

Once you've completed all of your training, you'll be assigned to a unit at one of three locations: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California; Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado; or Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. As for leave, you get up to 13 days of leave per year.

What is the toughest branch to get into?

Marine Corps - The Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military both physically and mentally. It has the most rigorous basic training, known as boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks. Marines are trained not only physically but also mentally, to have a "first to fight" mindset.

What is the lowest paid military branch?

E-1: $20,340. E-1 is the lowest enlisted rank in the US military: Airman Basic (Air Force), Private (Army/Marine Corps), Seaman Recruit (Navy). Service members usually hold this rank through basic training, and automatically promote to the next rank after six months of service.

What is the #1 highest paid position?

Get Matched!
  • Obstetrician and Gynecologist. #1 in Best-Paying Jobs. ...
  • Psychiatrist. #2 in Best-Paying Jobs. ...
  • Emergency Medicine Physician. #3 in Best-Paying Jobs. ...
  • Orthodontist. #4 in Best-Paying Jobs. ...
  • Anesthesiologist. #5 in Best-Paying Jobs. ...
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. #6 in Best-Paying Jobs. ...
  • Radiologist. ...
  • Pilot.

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