Air Force Computer Engineer Salary
The Air Force classifies computer engineers as officers and requires them to complete a 12-week officer training program. Officers hired as computer engineers must have at least a bachelor's degree. They design processes, policies and procedures while leading a team of enlisted personnel. Computer engineers in the Air Force also help implement the processes they design. One of their tasks is to research new technology and find devices and systems that will improve the Air Force's capabilities.
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Entry-Level Pay
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The annual salary of a computer engineer in the Air Force varies with rank and tenure. Entry-level pay ranges between $33,396 and $42.036 per year, according to the Air Force. The military classifies entry-level officers with less than one year of experience as "Second Lieutenants." First Lieutenants are officers with at least one year of experience. They receive an annual salary between $38,484 and 52,256. Entry-level officers could also become "Captains" and earn between $44,544 and $72,468 per year.
Rank
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Similar to the private sector, promotion to higher rank depends upon an officer's performance and determination. Beyond the rank of "Captain," seven additional officer ranks exist in the Air Force. The highest officer rank is "General," with an annual salary range between $184,812 and $227,232. Mid-ranked officers typically make between $50,664 and $124,692. Within each rank is a specific salary that corresponds to an officer's tenure. For example, an officer with the rank of "Major" and five years of experience earns a salary of $63,432.
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Meal Allowance
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The Air Force pays officers a monthly allowance that is meant to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses for food. A Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is paid in addition to the officer's base salary. It does not cover any food expenses the officer may incur for his family, and is meant for his food costs only. According to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the monthly BAS rate for officers is $223.04.
Housing Allowance
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Officers are eligible for the military's Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). The monthly allowance is meant to help officers with private housing costs and varies depending upon rank and geographic location. Officers with dependents receive a higher monthly allowance than officers without dependents. The Defense Travel Management Office has a list of rates for those who might want to calculate the amount of their potential BAH. For example, an officer classified as a "Second Lieutenant," with no dependents and living in Ft. Collins, Colorado, is eligible for a monthly BAH of $942.00.
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