Your pay is commensurate with rank, time in service and yearly cost-of-living increases. In addition to your basic military pay, you are eligible for tax-free housing and food allowances.
See Pay Chart.
Living expenses, including utilities and maintenance, are covered for those who choose to live in on-base housing/apartments. A monthly tax-free housing allowance is provided for off-base residents based on rank and geographic location to help pay for those extra living expenses.
Officers receive a flat monthly food allowance and can also save by shopping at the tax-free, on-base department and grocery stores.
You will be eligible to retire after 20 years of service. The Air Force also requires no payroll deductions for its retirement plan. This makes the plan one of the earliest retirements around. All Airmen are also eligible for the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
The Air Force offers excellent benefits and competitive insurance rates. You'll also receive comprehensive medical and dental care. In addition, you'll get full pay and allowances for any sick days you may need to take, and we offer low-cost life insurance up to $400,000. Family members may receive medical care at military or civilian facilities through various options for little or no cost.
The Air Force is committed to education, and you'll have the opportunity to take your education as far as you'd like, on or off base. Plus if you're stationed overseas or stateside, your children will attend excellent schools on base.
Wherever you go, you'll find social activities and recreational programs geared to the interests of each family member. Officers' clubs feature a full calendar of social events for members, spouses and guests. Bases sponsor youth activities, including teen functions. Most Air Force bases have golf courses, arts and crafts facilities, bowling alleys, tennis courts and swimming pools.
How does 30 days of vacation with pay per year sound? Air Force personnel can travel for a nominal fee on military aircraft on a space-available basis. If your destination is near a military facility, you can enjoy hotel-quality lodging on base for as little as $6 a day.
