Pay & Allowances
Officer
Upon joining the Air Force, you will be appointed as a PLTOFF and receive a salary of $50,901 per year (1,952 per fortnight).*
If you hold relevant tertiary qualifications and/or significant and relevant experience you may be appointed as a FLGOFF and receive $54,209 per year ($2,079 per fortnight).*
In addition to your base salary, Service Allowance at the rate of $12,128 per year ($465 per fortnight) is paid once you have completed Military and Employment training to compensate for the unique requirements that service life may impose on you or your family.
To assist you in maintaining your uniforms in good order and condition, you will also receive a Uniform Allowance of $682 per year ($26 per fortnight).
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.
* Note: These figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as applicable); or superannuation.
Australian Defence Force Academy
On graduation from ADFA you will receive a salary (including Service and Uniform allowances) of $67,019 per year ($2,570 per fortnight).
Following is the salary that you will receive while undertaking your training and before graduating from ADFA:
First year of training: $27,996 per year ($1,074 per fortnight).*
Second year of training: $33,086 per year ($1,269 per fortnight).*
Third year of training: $38,176 per year ($1,464 per fortnight).*
Fourth year of training: $43,266 per year ($1,660 per fortnight).*
While under training, you will also receive $9,092 per year ($349 per fortnight) Trainee Allowance.
To assist you in maintaining your uniforms in good order and condition, you will receive a Uniform Allowance of $419 per year ($16 per fortnight). This increases to $682 per year ($26 per fortnight) after commissioning.
You will also receive Service Allowance of $12,128 per year ($465 per fortnight) except while under training. This allowance compensates a member for the unique requirements that service life may impose on an individual and his or her family.
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.
Trainees with dependants may be entitled to Trainee's Dependant Allowance which is paid to enable trainees with dependants to receive a salary not less than $41,658 per year ($1,598 per fortnight) while training. Conditions apply. Speak to your Careers Counsellor for details.
* 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 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.