Pay & Allowances

Qualified

Each General Entry trade in the ADF is placed into specific Pay Grades (1 – 10) that are based on the skills and qualifications that an individual possess. Beginning at Corporal level, each Pay Grade has up to three different levels with progressive pay increases at each level. Current Pay Grades within the GME mustering are as follows:

• Ground Mechanical Engineering Fitter Grade 1 Pay Grade 3 (AC to LAC);
  
• Advanced Ground Mechanical Engineering Fitter Pay Grade 4 (LAC to CPL);
  
• Ground Mechanical Engineering Supervisor Pay Grade 5 (CPL to FSGT);
  
• Ground Mechanical Engineering Technician Pay Grade 5 (CPL to FSGT); and
  
• Ground Technical Manager Pay Grade 6 (FSGT to WOFF).

You will be enlisted as an Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman Recruit (ACR/ACWR) and remain at that level until graduation from 1RTU when you will be reclassified to an AC GMEFITT1. However, because of your trade qualifications you will be paid the AC GMEFITT1 rate on Pay Grade 3 of $1,797 per fortnight ($46,856 per year)* upon enlistment.

After 12 months experience at a Unit, you will be eligible for promotion to LAC/LACW Advanced GMEFITT (Pay Grade 4). Progression beyond LAC/LACW Advanced GMEFITT is based on further training and/or periods of employment. Opportunities are available for advancement, in competition with your peers, through the ranks to Warrant Officer.

Service Allowance:

Defence recognises that Service life can often impose unique requirements on personnel. In order to compensate for this, all personnel (with the exception of those undergoing Recruit Training and Trade Training) are paid Service Allowance at the rate of $465 per fortnight ($12,128 per year) in addition to the base salary.

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.

Salary will continue to increase based on rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank.

Refer to the Salary Scales and the Pay & Benefits section for further details.

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