As an enlisted member of the Air Force you'll receive a steady salary, and food and housing allowances.

Salary: Pay increases with rank and time-in-service. You'll also receive a yearly cost-of-living increase. In addition to your basic military pay, you're eligible for tax-free housing and food allowances. View Pay Chart »

Housing Allowance: Living expenses, including utilities and maintenance, are covered for Air Force members who choose to live in on-base housing/apartments. Based on rank and geographic location, a monthly tax-free housing allowance is provided for off-base residents.

Food Allowance: Enlisted personnel receive daily food allowances, and single Airmen may opt to receive "Rations in Kind" meal accounts that allow them to eat as many as four meals a day in the on-base dining facility for free. These facilities provide a large selection of "home-cooked" meals along with a variety of fast-food options, too. You’ll also save by shopping at the tax-free, on-base department and grocery stores.

Retirement: You'll be eligible to retire after 20 years of service with the Air Force with no payroll deductions for its retirement plan. That is one of the earliest retirements around.

Insurance: The Air Force offers excellent benefits and competitive insurance rates. You'll also receive comprehensive medical and dental care. In addition, you'll get full pay and allowances for any sick days you may need to take and we offer low-cost life insurance up to $250,000 for only $20 a month. Family members may receive medical care at military or civilian facilities through various options for little or no cost.

Education: The Air Force is committed to education and you’ll have the opportunity to take your training as far as you’d like, on or off base. Plus, if you're stationed overseas or stateside, your children can attend excellent schools on base.

Recreation: Wherever you go, you'll find social activities and recreational programs geared to the interests of each family member. Enlisted clubs feature a full calendar of social events for members, spouses and guests. Bases sponsor youth activities including teen functions, and they generally have youth centers where children can spend time in a safe environment. Most Air Force bases have golf courses, arts and crafts facilities, bowling alleys, tennis courts and swimming pools.

Vacation/Travel
How does 30 days of vacation with pay per year sound? Air Force personnel can travel for a nominal fee on military aircraft on a space-available basis. If your destination is near a military facility, you can enjoy hotel-quality lodging on base for as little as $6 a night.