Pay & Allowances

Officer

You will be appointed as an Officer Cadet (OFFCDT) and receive the following salary (excluding allowances) while undertaking Military (Initial Officer) Training and Employment Training:

Initial Officer Training and first six months of Employment Training at RMC: $38,176 per year ($1,464 per fortnight).*

Final 12 months of Employment Training at RMC: $43,266 per year ($1,659 per fortnight).*

While under training, you will also receive $9,092 per year pro rata ($349 per fortnight) Trainee Allowance.

To assist you in maintaining your uniforms in good order and condition, you will also receive a Uniform Allowance of $419 per year ($16 per fortnight). This increases to $682 per year ($26 per fortnight) after commissioning.

Salary on completion of Military (Initial Officer) Training and Employment Training: $50,901 per year (1,952 per fortnight).*

In addition to your salary, you will also receive Service Allowance of $12,128 per year ($465 per fortnight) except while as a Cadet at the Royal Military College of Australia or undertaking 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 information.

* Note: These figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as applicable); or superannuation.

Officer (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 Service 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.

During reserve service you will be required to elect whether you wish to serve in the Air Force High Readiness Reserve. Should you do so you are entitled to receive a tax exempt completion bonus of $5000 upon the anniversary date of your election to serve in the High Readiness Reserve provided you satisfy all  job proficiencies required of a GRDEFO.

In addition, you are entitled to a tax exempt Health Support Allowance of $2500 per annum for the purchase of top tabled health insurance.