How Much Can You Make in the U.S. Air Force?
The mission of the U.S. Air Force is to "fly, fight and win ... in air, space and cyberspace." To this end, it recruits those with a minimum high school diploma to receive training and work in such fields as aircraft, administration, computers and electronics. Information is from the U.S. Air Force as of February 2011.
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Enlisted Pay
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Enlisted basic pay varies by pay grade and experience. For example, the pay for grade E-1, which is the lowest classification, and two years or less of experience is $1,467 per month. For grade E-7, with the same experience, the pay is $1,467 per month. At the opposite end, grade E-9, which is the highest grade, with over 40 years of experience, grants pay of 7,196 per month.
Officer Pay
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Officer basic pay is similarly differentiated according to grade and experience. For example, the pay for grade O-1, which is the lowest classification, and two years or less of eperience is $2,783 per month. For grade O-8, with the same experience, the pay is $9,531 per month. On the high end, grade O-10, which is the highest grade, with over 40 years of experience garners pay of $18,937 per month.
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Benefits
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Members of the air force receive several allowances and benefits that vary by rank and location. Free housing, for example, including utilities and maintenance is provided for those who choose to live on base. Those living off-base receive a monthly tax-free housing allowance. Free meals are also available on base. In addition, members receive medical and dental care, insurance, educational opportunities, recreational club memberships and paid vacations.
Retirement
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After 20 years of service, air force personell can retire with full benefits. This includes a monthly payment with cost-of-living adjustments, compensation for combat-related disabilities, health care, educational benefits and life insurance. Space-available travel aboard government aircraft, retirement homes, and moving and storage to any location in the U.S. are also available. Those who have lost any medals or decorations may request replacements at no cost.
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References
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- Photo Credit air force thunderbirds image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
