Understanding Air Force Pay: Salary Breakdown

The salary of an individual in the Air Force varies widely depending on several factors, including rank, years of service, and any special pay or allowances. It's important to note that the salary in the military is often referred to as "basic pay," and it forms the foundation of a service member's compensation. 

Enlisted Pay (E-1 to E-9):

• Airman Basic (E-1, less than 2 years of service): Approximately $1,608 per month.
• Technical Sergeant (E-6, 6 years of service): Approximately $2,693 per month.
• Chief Master Sergeant (E-9, 20 years of service): Approximately $6,311 per month.

Officer Pay (O-1 to O-10):

• Second Lieutenant (O-1, less than 2 years of service): Approximately $3,287 per month.
• Major (O-4, 8 years of service): Approximately $5,637 per month.
• General (O-10, 20 years of service): Approximately $16,608 per month.

It's important to note that these figures represent basic pay and do not include additional allowances and bonuses, which can significantly increase a service member's overall compensation. Some of the additional pay and allowances include Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to cover housing expenses, Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food, and various special pays based on specific skills, duties, or deployments.

The exact salary for an individual in the Air Force can also change annually due to adjustments for inflation and changes in federal law. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on Air Force pay, including specific pay rates for different ranks and years of service, it is recommended to consult the official U.S. Department of Defense pay charts or speak with a military finance specialist. Additionally, individual circumstances such as deployments and duty assignments can affect a service member's overall compensation.

The salary of an Air Force member depends on their rank and years of service. The basic pay for Air Force members in 2023 is as follows:

Pay Grade	Rank	Monthly Basic Pay
E-1	Airman Basic	$1,917.60
E-2	Airman	$2,149.20
E-3	Airman First Class	$2,259.90
E-4	Senior Airman	$2,503.50
E-5	Staff Sergeant	$2,730.30
E-6	Technical Sergeant	$2,980.50
E-7	Master Sergeant	$3,445.80
E-8	Senior Master Sergeant	$4,055.50
E-9	Chief Master Sergeant	$4,742.60
O-1	Second Lieutenant	$3,637.20
O-2	First Lieutenant	$4,190.70
O-3	Captain	$4,849.80
O-4	Major	$5,516.40
O-5	Lieutenant Colonel	$6,393.30
O-6	Colonel	$7,669.20
O-7	Brigadier General	$10,731.30
O-8	Major General	$13,426.50
O-9	Lieutenant General	$16,588.50
O-10	General	$19,357.50

In addition to basic pay, Air Force members also receive a number of other allowances and benefits, including:

• Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) : BAS is a monthly allowance that is paid to Air Force members to cover the cost of food. The amount of BAS received depends on the member's rank and marital status.
• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) : BAH is a monthly allowance that is paid to Air Force members to cover the cost of housing. The amount of BAH received depends on the member's rank, marital status, and location.
• Family Separation Allowance (FSA) : FSA is a monthly allowance that is paid to Air Force members who are separated from their families due to military service. The amount of FSA received depends on the member's rank and the number of dependents they have.
• Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) : OHA is a monthly allowance that is paid to Air Force members who are stationed overseas. The amount of OHA received depends on the member's rank and the location where they are stationed.

Air Force members also have access to a variety of other benefits, such as health care, dental care, and vision care. They are also eligible for retirement benefits after 20 years of service.