Summary

To understand your Air Force pay in civilian terms, we combined your basic pay and benefits into one yearly "adjusted pay". You would earn the civilian equivalent of $66,837 on average per year in a 4-year enlistment and $70,745 on average per year in a 6-year enlistment.


Enlistment

Average Adjusted Salary
4 Year $66,837
6 Year $70,745

Your Air Force career is always advancing. As you serve, you will have opportunities for continuous training as you climb your career ladder. Starting as a Helper or Apprentice, you'll grow with guided training and achieve a leadership role for yourself in which you will be able to help others reach their potential.

Enlistment Pay Grades Civilian Job Level
4 Year E-4 to E-5 Individual Contributor to Supervisor to Manager
6 Year E-5 to E-6 Supervisor to Manager to Director

The Air Force provides 30 days of vacation with pay, during which you are free to travel to domestic and foreign destinations. You can take advantage of available space on Air Force aircrafts to many international destinations and almost any state. If your destination is near another military facility, you'll enjoy hotel-quality lodging on base for a reduced cost.

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The Air Force puts you on a path of lifetime learning, from your automatic enrollment into the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) to your basic training and your advanced AFSC training to leadership training and beyond.

 

Associate of Applied Science Degree
Secret Clearance(s), Airman Leadership School and Available Related Civilian Credentials
Technical & Leadership Training

The Air Force provides several education benefits. After serving for three years, you are eligible for 100% of Post 9/11 VA education funding. This includes tuition assistance, books and housing. With that in mind, if you attend Duke University, you would receive $218,978 in total funding. Check out the Education page for more information.

 

$218,978

For Duke University

When you're in the Air Force, you're a part of a community. In fact, Air Force bases are basically self-contained cities with things like golf courses, arts and crafts facilities, bowling alleys, tennis courts, swimming pools and even equipment rentals, which are free or discounted. Plus, you'll have nearly 2 months of paid time-off per year!

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As an Airman, you'll be part of the world's most elite Air Force, working to defend our country and those in need. Our rich history and our vision guide our Airmen as we pursue our mission with excellence and integrity to become leaders, innovators and warriors.

 

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Compared to civilian employers, the Air Force has among the most competitive retirement plans to help secure your economic future. For you, the two largest include the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and Pension. Learn more about each on the Security page.

Est. $ Blended Retirement System
$1,445,940 Retirement Plan by age 74
$9,987 Continuation Pay Bonus
$46,246
per year
Retired Pay Annuity for Life at age 65