Pay & Allowances
Other Ranks (Technical)
Trainee Entry
You will be enlisted as an Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman Recruit and remain at that level until graduation from 1RTU. During Recruit training you will be paid at the rate of $1,258 per fortnight ($32,799 per year).*
After leaving 1RTU, you will be attached to the Army School of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering at Bonegilla in Victoria as an AC Trainee and paid at the rate of $1,438 per fortnight ($37,485 per year) which increases to $1,617 per fortnight ($42,170 per year) after 12 months of training.*
While under training, you will also receive $349 per fortnight ($9,092 per year) pro rata Trainee Allowance.
After successful completion of Initial Employment Training you will be re-graded to AC on Pay Grade 3 rate of $1,797 per fortnight ($46,856 per year)*.
Service Allowance
In addition to your salary, you will receive Service Allowance of $465 per fortnight ($12,128 per year) except while undertaking Military (Initial) or Employment training. This allowance compensates a member for the unique requirements that service life may impose on an individual and his or her family.
Uniform Allowance
Initial uniform issue is free of charge to all recruits. After that first issue personnel are expected to maintain their uniform in good condition and replace where necessary. In order to assist members in maintaining their uniform, an allowance of $419 pa is provided. This amount increases to $504 at Sergeant level and is in addition to the base salary and is paid in fortnightly increments in the normal pay.
Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.
* Note: These figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as applicable); or superannuation.
Qualified
On initial entry as a fully qualified tradesperson who has completed 12 months productive employment in your trade after training, you are enlisted as an Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman Recruit (ACR/ACWR) and remain as such until graduation from 1RTU.
However, in recognition of your trade qualifications you will be paid the salary of an Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman (AC/ACW) on Pay Grade 3 at the rate of $1,797 per fortnight ($46,856 per year)* upon enlistment.
On completion of Recruit Training you will be reclassified to Leading Aircraftman / Leading Aircraftwoman (LAC/LACW) on Pay Grade 3 with a salary (excluding allowances) of $1,831 per fortnight ($47,735 per year).*
Service Allowance
Defence recognises that Service life can often impose unique requirements on personnel. In order to compensate for this, on completion of recruit training you will receive Service Allowance at the rate of $12,128 per year in addition to your base salary. This allowance is paid in fortnightly increments ($465) in the normal pay.
Uniform Allowance
Initial uniform issue is free of charge to all recruits. After that first issue personnel are expected to maintain their uniform in good condition and replace where necessary. In order to assist members in maintaining their uniform, an allowance of $419 pa is provided. This amount increases to $504 at Sergeant level and is in addition to the base salary and is paid in fortnightly increments in the normal pay.
Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.
* Note: These figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as applicable); or superannuation.
Other Ranks (Technical) (Reserve)
Salary while undertaking Military (Recruit) Training: $78.18 per day tax free.
Each General Entry job in the Australian Defence Force is classified into a pay grade. This particular job is classified as a Pay Grade 3 occupation. Members of the Reserve on part-time service are paid at a daily rate of pay and this occupation attracts a starting rate of $128.37 per day.
Your pay grade will normally increase following the acquisition of additional skills and completion of advanced courses.
In addition to your salary, a Reserve Allowance of $12.52 per day is payable to compensate for the unique demands of Reserve Service.