Intro
Discover the Air Force 1st Lieutenant pay scale, including salary ranges, benefits, and allowances, to understand military compensation and officer ranks.
The United States Air Force is one of the most prestigious and respected branches of the military, offering a wide range of career opportunities and competitive compensation packages. For those interested in pursuing a career as an officer in the Air Force, understanding the pay scale is essential. In this article, we will delve into the pay scale of a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force, exploring the various factors that influence their compensation and providing a comprehensive overview of what to expect.
The rank of 1st Lieutenant is a junior officer rank in the Air Force, typically held by those with a few years of experience. To become a 1st Lieutenant, one must first complete a bachelor's degree and undergo officer training, either through the Air Force Academy or a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. Once commissioned, 1st Lieutenants can expect to receive a competitive salary, along with a range of benefits and allowances.
The pay scale for a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force is based on a combination of factors, including their time in service, rank, and job specialty. The Air Force uses a pay grade system, with 1st Lieutenants falling under the pay grade of O-2. According to the 2022 military pay charts, the basic pay for a 1st Lieutenant with less than two years of service is $4,514.70 per month. As they gain more experience and time in service, their pay will increase, with a 1st Lieutenant with six years of service earning $6,114.30 per month.
Air Force 1st Lieutenant Pay Chart

In addition to their basic pay, 1st Lieutenants in the Air Force may also be eligible for a range of special pays and allowances. These can include flight pay, jump pay, and hazardous duty pay, among others. For example, a 1st Lieutenant who is a qualified pilot may receive an additional $150-$250 per month in flight pay, depending on their level of experience and the type of aircraft they fly.
Air Force Officer Pay Grades

The Air Force also offers a range of benefits and allowances to help offset the costs of living and serving. These can include a basic allowance for housing (BAH), a basic allowance for subsistence (BAS), and a cost of living allowance (COLA). For example, a 1st Lieutenant stationed in a high-cost area like San Francisco may receive an additional $2,000-$3,000 per month in BAH to help cover their housing costs.
Air Force Benefits and Allowances

In terms of career advancement, 1st Lieutenants in the Air Force can expect to be promoted to the rank of Captain after three to four years of service. This promotion can bring a significant increase in pay, with a Captain earning upwards of $7,000-$8,000 per month. To be eligible for promotion, 1st Lieutenants must meet certain performance and education requirements, including completing a master's degree or equivalent.
Air Force Officer Promotion Requirements

For those interested in pursuing a career as a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force, there are several steps they can take to prepare. First, they must meet the basic eligibility requirements, including being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 35, and meeting certain physical and medical standards. They must also complete a bachelor's degree and undergo officer training, either through the Air Force Academy or an ROTC program.
Air Force Officer Eligibility Requirements

Once they have completed their education and training, they can apply for a commission as a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force. This involves submitting an application, passing a physical fitness test, and undergoing a background check. If selected, they will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and will begin their career as an officer in the Air Force.
Air Force Officer Commissioning Process

In conclusion, the pay scale for a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force is competitive and based on a range of factors, including time in service, rank, and job specialty. With a basic pay range of $4,514.70 to $6,114.30 per month, plus special pays and allowances, 1st Lieutenants can expect to earn a comfortable salary. Additionally, the Air Force offers a range of benefits and allowances to help offset the costs of living and serving, making it an attractive career option for those interested in serving their country.
Air Force 1st Lieutenant Career Outlook

Air Force 1st Lieutenant Retirement Benefits

Air Force 1st Lieutenant Education Benefits

Air Force 1st Lieutenant Health Benefits

Gallery of Air Force 1st Lieutenant Images
Air Force 1st Lieutenant Image Gallery










What is the basic pay for a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force?
+The basic pay for a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force is $4,514.70 per month for those with less than two years of service, and up to $6,114.30 per month for those with six years of service.
What benefits and allowances are available to 1st Lieutenants in the Air Force?
+1st Lieutenants in the Air Force are eligible for a range of benefits and allowances, including basic allowance for housing (BAH), basic allowance for subsistence (BAS), and cost of living allowance (COLA), as well as special pays and allowances for certain jobs and situations.
How do I become a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force?
+To become a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force, you must first meet the basic eligibility requirements, including being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 35, and meeting certain physical and medical standards. You must then complete a bachelor's degree and undergo officer training, either through the Air Force Academy or an ROTC program.
What is the career outlook for a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force?
+The career outlook for a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force is excellent, with opportunities for advancement to higher ranks and a range of career fields. 1st Lieutenants can expect to be promoted to the rank of Captain after three to four years of service, and can go on to serve in a variety of roles, including as pilots, navigators, and intelligence officers.
What education benefits are available to 1st Lieutenants in the Air Force?
+1st Lieutenants in the Air Force are eligible for a range of education benefits, including the GI Bill, which can help pay for tuition and fees for higher education. They may also be eligible for other education benefits, such as the Air Force's Tuition Assistance Program, which can help pay for courses and degree programs.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the pay scale and benefits available to 1st Lieutenants in the Air Force. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about this topic, please don't hesitate to comment or share this article with others. Additionally, if you are considering a career in the Air Force, we encourage you to explore the many resources available to help you get started, including the Air Force's official website and recruitment offices. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to hearing from you!