Air Force Captain Salary: Understanding the Basics
The United States Air Force offers a competitive salary to its officers, including captains. A captain in the Air Force is a company-grade officer, ranking above a first lieutenant and below a major. The salary for an Air Force captain is based on a combination of factors, including time in service, time in grade, and basic pay. In this article, we will delve into the details of an Air Force captain’s salary and what you need to know.
Basic Pay for Air Force Captains
The basic pay for an Air Force captain is determined by the Department of Defense’s pay scale. As of 2022, the basic pay for a captain in the Air Force ranges from 4,383.30 to 8,324.50 per month, depending on time in service and time in grade.
| Time in Service | Basic Pay |
|---|---|
| 2 years or less | $4,383.30 |
| Over 2 years | $4,698.10 |
| Over 4 years | $5,314.50 |
| Over 6 years | $6,148.10 |
| Over 8 years | $7,175.10 |
| Over 10 years | $8,324.50 |
Allowances and Benefits
In addition to basic pay, Air Force captains receive a range of allowances and benefits, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): This allowance is based on the location of the captain’s duty station and can range from a few hundred to over $2,000 per month.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): This allowance is a flat rate of $253.63 per month.
- Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): This allowance is based on the location of the captain’s duty station and can range from a few hundred to over $1,000 per month.
- Health Insurance: Air Force captains and their families are eligible for comprehensive health insurance through the Military Health System.
- Retirement Benefits: Air Force captains are eligible for a pension after 20 years of service, with the option to retire at a reduced pension after 15 years of service.
Special Pays and Bonuses
Air Force captains may also be eligible for special pays and bonuses, including:
- Flight Pay: Captains who are pilots or navigators may receive flight pay, which can range from 150 to 1,000 per month.
- Dive Pay: Captains who are divers may receive dive pay, which can range from 150 to 300 per month.
- Jump Pay: Captains who are paratroopers may receive jump pay, which can range from 150 to 300 per month.
- Bonuses: The Air Force offers bonuses for captains who agree to serve in certain career fields or locations.
📝 Note: The rates and allowances listed above are subject to change and may not reflect the current rates and allowances.
Education Benefits
The Air Force offers a range of education benefits for captains, including:
- Tuition Assistance: Captains may be eligible for up to $4,500 per year in tuition assistance.
- Student Loan Repayment: Captains may be eligible for student loan repayment assistance, which can help pay off student loans.
- GI Bill: Captains may be eligible for the GI Bill, which can help pay for education expenses.
Conclusion
An Air Force captain’s salary is based on a combination of basic pay, allowances, and benefits. While the basic pay for a captain may not be the highest, the allowances and benefits can add up to a significant amount. Additionally, the Air Force offers a range of special pays and bonuses, as well as education benefits, to help captains achieve their career goals.
How much does an Air Force captain make per year?
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Based on the basic pay scale, an Air Force captain can make between 52,598.80 and 99,697.00 per year, depending on time in service and time in grade.
What benefits do Air Force captains receive?
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Air Force captains receive a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement benefits, and education benefits.
How do I become an Air Force captain?
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To become an Air Force captain, you must first commission as an officer through the Air Force Academy, ROTC, or Officer Training School. You must then serve as a first lieutenant for at least two years and meet the requirements for promotion to captain.
