Pay & Allowances

Graduate

Salary on joining the Air Force will be $54,209 per year ($2,079 per fortnight).*

Uniform Allowance at a rate of $682 per year ($26 per fortnight) is paid to assist members to maintain an approved scale of uniforms in good order and condition.

In addition to your salary, you will also receive Service Allowance of $12,128 per year ($465 per fortnight) except while undertaking Military (Initial Officer) 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.

Salary will continue to increase based on rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank. Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.

* Please note that these figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as applicable); or superannuation.

Graduate (Reserve)

Members of the Reserve on part-time service are paid at a daily rate of pay which is tax-free.

While undergoing Initial Officer Training non-degree qualified trainees receive $90.99 a day and degree qualified trainees receive $103.13.

Daily rates of pay for commissioned Reserve Force Officers commence at $139.45.

In addition to your salary, a Reserve Allowance of $12.52 per day is payable to compensate for the unique demands of Reserve Service.

Your salary will continue to increase based on your rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank. Your pay grade may increase following the acquisition of additional skills and completion of further training.

Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.