I'm interested in joining the Air Force, so I'm trying to figure out what the pay will be like. Does anyone have details on the 2024 pay chart for enlisted personnel?
The pay for enlisted personnel in the U.S. Air Force in 2024 is determined by two main factors: rank and years of service.
Entry-level enlisted personnel begin at the rank of Airman Basic (E-1). The base pay at this rank in 2024 is approximately $24,200 per year. However, by the time an individual reaches the rank of Airman (E-2), the base salary increases to around $27,130 per annum.
Additionally, as the rank continues to advance, so does the salary. Assuming no change in pay scale, by the time an enlisted member attains the Senior Airman rank (E-4), the base pay will be roughly $31,600 per year with less than 2 years of service, and it can go up to $35,000 with over 3 years of service.
Furthermore, it's important to note that enlisted members with ranks E-4 and E-5 will see their pay increase each subsequent year in the service, reaching a peak with over 16 years of service.
Remember that there are also special pays and allowances such as Housing Allowance (BAH), Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), Subsistence Allowance (BAS), Clothing Allowance, and Hazardous Duty Pay, among others, that have a significant impact on the total compensation package.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information though, it's always best to consult the Official Military Pay Table issued by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). But, keep in mind, besides the monetary benefits, there are other benefits such as healthcare, retirement, education, and training opportunities that come with service in the military you may want to consider as well.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.