Benefits/ Air Force Active Duty Keeping you ready
for success

Federal Benefits

From the moment you earn your wings, you’re eligible for a wide range of benefits to support you in building your future—on duty and off.

01 Insurance
- Excellent, low-cost insurance rates
- Comprehensive medical and dental care
- Full pay and allowance for sick days
- Low-cost life insurance
02 Food and housing
- Living expenses coverage for those living on base
- Monthly tax-free housing allowance for Airmen living off-base
- Tax-free department and grocery stores with prices below the average of off-base retail options
- Monthly food allowances
03 Retirement
- Eligibility to retire after 20 years of service
- Thrift Savings Plan, which allows Airmen to place a portion of their monthly pay into an account similar to a 401(k) account
04 Education
- Up to 100% tuition assistance through the Air Force Tuition Assistance Program, post 9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill Ability to earn college credit during basic training Available student loan repayment
- Ability to earn college credit during basic training
- Available student loan repayment
05 Vacation and travel
- 30 days of paid vacation, with the freedom to explore local and foreign destinations
- Reduced lodging costs for hotels on bases across the U.S
06 Recreation
- On-base facilities for various sports, arts and crafts, and equipment rentals, which are available for free or at lower rates than similar off-base options
- Family-friendly social activities and recreational programs

base salary plus Pay Table

All Airmen are paid equally based on their rank and years of service. You’re also eligible for additional compensation based on your position and where you’re stationed. Refer to the table for salary estimates for each rank within the Air Force.

ENLISTED MONTHLY PAYMENT TABLE 2025

E-1 AIRMAN BASIC*

Payment table
Years	Benefit
< 2 YEARS	$2,108.10 * $268.96 *
2 YEARS	$2,108.10 * $268.96 *
3 YEARS	$2,108.10 * $268.96 *
4 YEARS	$2,108.10 * $268.96 *
6 YEARS	$2,108.10 * $268.96 *

*Pay for E-1 Airmen Basic will be slightly lower for the first four months of service.

E-2 AIRMAN

Payment table
Years	Benefit
< 2 YEARS	$2,362.80 * $301.48 *
2 YEARS	$2,362.80 * $301.48 *
3 YEARS	$2,362.80 * $301.48 *
4 YEARS	$2,362.80 * $301.48 *
6 YEARS	$2,362.80 * $301.48 *

E-3 AIRMAN FIRST CLASS

Payment table
Years	Benefit
< 2 YEARS	$2,484.60 * $317.00 *
2 YEARS	$2,640.60 * $336.92 *
3 YEARS	$2,800.80 * $357.36 *
4 YEARS	$2,800.80 * $357.36 *
6 YEARS	$2,800.80 * $357.36 *

E-4 SENIOR AIRMAN

Payment table
Years	Benefit
< 2 YEARS	$2,752.20 * $351.16 *
2 YEARS	$2,892.90 * $369.12 *
3 YEARS	$3,049.80 * $389.12 *
4 YEARS	$3,204.30 * $408.84 *
6 YEARS	$3,341.40 * $426.32 *

E-5 STAFF SERGEANT

Payment table
Years	Benefit
< 2 YEARS	$3,001.50 * $382.96 *
2 YEARS	$3,203.70 * $408.76 *
3 YEARS	$3,358.80 * $428.56 *
4 YEARS	$3,517.20 * $448.76 *
6 YEARS	$3,763.80 * $480.24 *

E-6 TECHNICAL SERGEANT

Payment table
Years	Benefit
< 2 YEARS	$3,276.60 * $418.08 *
2 YEARS	$3,606.00 * $460.08 *
3 YEARS	$3,765.00 * $480.40 *
4 YEARS	$3,919.80 * $500.12 *
6 YEARS	$4,080.60 * $520.64 *

E-7 MASTER SERGEANT

Payment table
Years	Benefit
< 2 YEARS	$3,788.10 * $483.32 *
2 YEARS	$4,134.30 * $527.52 *
3 YEARS	$4,293.00 * $547.76 *
4 YEARS	$4,502.10 * $574.44 *
6 YEARS	$4,666.50 * $595.40 *