US Air Force Ranks and Salary (2026–2027 Pay Scale Breakdown)
Here’s how much you’ll earn in the Air Force. Right now. This year.
You’re not just asking, “What’s the pay like?”
You’re asking, “Is this career worth it? Can I support myself? Will I be paid for what I’m putting on the line?”
This guide answers that — not with guesswork, but with real 2025–2026 numbers from official military pay charts.
Whether you’re looking at the Air Force as a career, a calling, or a launchpad to your future, this is what you’ll earn at every step — and what that means for your lifestyle.
Understanding Air Force Ranks: Where You Start, and Where You’re Going
Pay in the Air Force is tied directly to rank and experience.
So let’s start by breaking down the two main career paths: Enlisted and Officer.
Enlisted Ranks (E-1 to E-9)
If you’re joining straight out of high school, this is where you begin.
| Rank | Abbreviation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airman Basic | E-1 | Boot camp and beyond |
| Airman | E-2 | First promotion, automatic |
| Airman First Class | E-3 | Earned through time or enlistment bonus |
| Senior Airman | E-4 | Where leadership begins |
| Staff Sergeant | E-5 | First NCO (non-commissioned officer) |
| Technical Sergeant | E-6 | Mid-career leadership |
| Master Sergeant | E-7 | Senior-level |
| Senior Master Sergeant | E-8 | Fewer slots, more responsibility |
| Chief Master Sergeant | E-9 | Top of the enlisted ladder |
Enlisted airmen lead from the ground. They’re the engine of every mission.
Officer Ranks (O-1 to O-10)
Officers are college graduates (ROTC, Academy, or OTS). They lead teams, make decisions, and carry strategic responsibility.
| Rank | Abbreviation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant | O-1 | Entry-level officer |
| First Lieutenant | O-2 | Junior leadership |
| Captain | O-3 | Operational command |
| Major | O-4 | Mid-career leadership |
| Lieutenant Colonel | O-5 | Unit command |
| Colonel | O-6 | Senior command |
| Brigadier General+ | O-7 to O-10 | Generals, top-level command |
What You’ll Actually Earn in 2025–2026
Here’s where the numbers get real. Military pay is broken into Base Pay, Allowances, and Special Pays.
Let’s start with base pay — the monthly salary based on rank and years of service (YOS).
Enlisted Monthly Base Pay (2025–2026)
| Rank | <2 Years | 4 Years | 8 Years | 12 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,017.20 | — | — | — |
| E-2 | $2,269.80 | — | — | — |
| E-3 | $2,377.20 | $2,529.60 | — | — |
| E-4 | $2,634.00 | $2,824.50 | $2,976.90 | $3,129.30 |
| E-5 | $2,865.60 | $3,219.00 | $3,573.30 | $3,838.80 |
| E-6 | $3,109.50 | $3,543.90 | $3,978.30 | $4,412.70 |
| E-7 | $3,344.70 | $4,049.40 | $4,562.10 | $4,992.00 |
| E-8 | $4,067.70 | $4,655.40 | $5,153.10 | $5,650.80 |
| E-9 | $5,308.50 | $5,796.60 | $6,284.70 | $6,772.80 |
Officer Monthly Base Pay (2025–2026)
| Rank | <2 Years | 4 Years | 8 Years | 12 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-1 | $3,826.20 | — | — | — |
| O-2 | $4,407.90 | $4,961.70 | — | — |
| O-3 | $5,408.10 | $6,197.70 | $6,726.30 | — |
| O-4 | $6,552.60 | $7,260.00 | $8,055.60 | $8,762.10 |
| O-5 | $7,785.90 | $8,748.00 | $9,516.00 | $10,208.40 |
| O-6 | $9,145.50 | $10,116.60 | $10,884.60 | $11,650.80 |
All base pay is pre-tax. Add housing and food allowances (BAH and BAS), and your real income increases significantly.
What Else You Get Paid (That Isn’t Base Pay)
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
This pays for where you live — whether you’re in on-base housing or renting off-base.
-
Varies by location, rank, and whether you have dependents
-
Tax-free income
-
Could be $900 to $3,600+/month
E-5 in Washington, D.C. with dependents? You might see $2,800/month in BAH alone.
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
Covers food. Flat rate. Also tax-free.
-
Enlisted: ~$452/month
-
Officers: ~$311/month
Special and Incentive Pays
You may qualify for:
-
Flight Pay (pilots, aircrew)
-
Hazard Pay (combat zones)
-
Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP)
-
Retention Bonuses
An officer pilot can easily earn $1,000+ in monthly bonuses on top of base pay.
How Promotions Change Your Paycheck
Promotions don’t just change your title — they change your life.
-
Each rank increase = automatic pay bump
-
More years in service = higher pay step within that rank
-
Switching from enlisted to officer means long-term financial upside (though sometimes short-term cuts)
Example: An E-6 with 8 years might earn $4,000/month.
But become an O-1? You’ll start near $3,800 — and rise faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the starting salary in the Air Force?
An E-1 earns $2,017/month — plus housing and food allowances.
Most new airmen take home between $3,200–$3,800/month, depending on location.
Do officers get paid more?
Yes. A Second Lieutenant starts at $3,826/month base pay.
With allowances, it climbs to ~$5,000/month.
A Colonel (O-6) can earn over $11,000/month before benefits.
Is military pay taxed?
Base pay? ✅ Taxed.
BAH and BAS? ❌ Tax-free.
That’s why military compensation often goes further than civilian equivalents.
Do I get paid during Basic Training?
Yes. From day one.
If you ship as an E-1, you’ll earn your full monthly base pay plus BAS.
What’s the biggest misconception about military pay?
That it’s low.
Once you factor in:
-
Free healthcare
-
No-cost housing (or housing allowance)
-
Education benefits
-
30 days paid leave
-
Retirement contributions
…you’re often looking at six-figure value, even as a junior enlisted.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Paycheck
If you’re asking about Air Force pay, you’re not just looking for numbers.
You’re asking if the Air Force gives you a life worth building.
The answer?
Yes — if you’re willing to earn it.
Whether you’re 18 and just starting out or transitioning as a mid-career officer, the pay isn’t just steady. It’s structured to grow with you — rank by rank, year by year.
And now? You know exactly what to expect.
📌 Want to start your Air Force journey? Click here
📌 Download the official 2025–2026 military pay chart PDF