Understanding ADF Pay Structure
The Australian Defence Force pay structure is determined by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) and outlined in the ADF Workplace Remuneration Arrangement 2023-2026. All ADF members across the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) receive competitive salaries with regular increases and comprehensive benefits.
2025-2026 Pay Increases
- November 6, 2025: 3.4% increase (effective now)
- Total increase 2023-2026: 11.2% over three years
- Previous increases: 4.0% (Nov 2023), 3.8% (Nov 2024)
How Increments Work
Each rank has multiple pay increments (typically 0-10 levels). Members progress through increments annually based on satisfactory performance, allowing for salary growth within the same rank without promotion.
Service-Specific Pay Information
🚢 Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Pay Scales
Navy personnel receive competitive salaries from Seaman to Admiral ranks, with additional sea-going and submarine service allowances. RAN members benefit from specialized allowances for maritime operations and deployment.
Navy Rank Structure
- • Seaman → Leading Seaman → Petty Officer
- • Chief Petty Officer → Warrant Officer
- • Sub Lieutenant → Lieutenant → Lieutenant Commander
- • Commander → Captain → Commodore → Admiral
Navy-Specific Allowances
- • Sea Going Service Allowance
- • Submarine Service Allowance
- • Deployment Allowance (tax-free)
- • District Allowance for remote ports
🎖️ Australian Army Pay Scales
Army soldiers receive competitive salaries from Private to General ranks, with additional field and deployment allowances. Army members benefit from specialized allowances for field operations and combat roles.
Army Rank Structure
- • Private → Corporal → Sergeant
- • Warrant Officer Class 2 → Warrant Officer Class 1
- • Lieutenant → Captain → Major
- • Lieutenant Colonel → Colonel → Brigadier → General
Army-Specific Allowances
- • Field Allowance
- • Deployment Allowance (tax-free)
- • Military Factor Allowance
- • District Allowance for remote postings
✈️ Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pay Scales
Air Force personnel receive competitive salaries from Aircraftman to Air Marshal ranks, with additional flying and specialist allowances. RAAF members benefit from specialized allowances for aircrew and technical roles.
Air Force Rank Structure
- • Aircraftman → Leading Aircraftman → Corporal
- • Sergeant → Flight Sergeant → Warrant Officer
- • Pilot Officer → Flying Officer → Flight Lieutenant
- • Squadron Leader → Wing Commander → Group Captain → Air Marshal
Air Force-Specific Allowances
- • Flying Allowance
- • Deployment Allowance (tax-free)
- • Military Factor Allowance
- • District Allowance for remote bases
Frequently Asked Questions
How does ADF superannuation compare to civilian jobs?
ADF members receive 16.4% superannuation, significantly higher than the civilian standard of 11.5%. This additional 4.9% can make a substantial difference to retirement savings over a military career.
What allowances can I expect in addition to base salary?
Depending on your role and location, you may receive deployment allowances (tax-free), district allowances for remote postings, military factor allowances for challenging environments, and service-specific allowances (sea-going for Navy, flying for Air Force, field operations for Army).
How often do pay increments occur?
Pay increments typically occur annually based on satisfactory performance. This allows your salary to grow within your current rank before promotion to the next level.
Are ranks equivalent across Navy, Army, and Air Force?
Yes, ranks are equivalent across services based on pay grades (e.g., OR-4, OF-3). A Corporal in Army, Leading Seaman in Navy, and Corporal in Air Force all receive the same base pay, though service-specific allowances may differ.
Where can I find official ADF recruitment information?
Visit defencejobs.gov.au for official recruitment information, career paths, and application details. For pay and conditions, visit the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal.