Aircrew performing flying duties — rate by category.
Royal Australian Air Force
Pay rates from Aircraftman to Air Marshal
Permanent base rates, trainee pay, allowances, and take-home estimates for RAAF members.
Service
Rank
Pay period
Show
Trainee
8
- RankMinMax
Base trainee rates before permanent rank salary schedules apply.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Paid study or officer preparation while completing entry training milestones.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Sponsored university study while preparing for a future officer role.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Tertiary entry pay while studying toward an officer appointment.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Enlisted
4
- RankMinMax
Performs entry-level Air Force duties while building trade skills and service experience.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Increment 0PAA$79,096 PAB$82,322 PAC$86,453 PAD$90,919 PAE$95,741 PAF$100,947 PAG$106,572 PAH$112,644 PAI$119,203 PAJ$126,292 Qualified Air Force member carrying out technical or support duties with growing independence.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Increment 0PAA$80,341 PAB$83,565 PAC$87,700 PAD$92,164 PAE$96,985 PAF$102,194 PAG$107,814 PAH$113,887 PAI$120,448 PAJ$127,530 Junior leader supervising small teams and maintaining trade or mission outputs.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Increment 2PAA$89,857 PAB$93,081 PAC$97,212 PAD$101,677 PAE$106,503 PAF$111,706 PAG$117,327 PAH$123,404 PAI$129,959 PAJ$137,047 Increment 1PAA$88,398 PAB$91,620 PAC$95,754 PAD$100,219 PAE$105,042 PAF$110,246 PAG$115,871 PAH$121,945 PAI$128,502 PAJ$135,586 Increment 0PAA$86,966 PAB$90,189 PAC$94,324 PAD$98,787 PAE$103,607 PAF$108,817 PAG$114,442 PAH$120,514 PAI$127,074 PAJ$134,164 Senior non-commissioned leader managing teams, standards, and daily operations.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Increment 2PAA$100,898 PAB$104,120 PAC$108,257 PAD$112,718 PAE$117,543 PAF$122,747 PAG$128,371 PAH$134,445 PAI$141,006 PAJ$148,091 Increment 1PAA$99,220 PAB$102,443 PAC$106,575 PAD$111,041 PAE$115,864 PAF$121,073 PAG$126,690 PAH$132,767 PAI$139,326 PAJ$146,413 Increment 0PAA$97,575 PAB$100,797 PAC$104,930 PAD$109,397 PAE$114,219 PAF$119,427 PAG$125,047 PAH$131,122 PAI$137,681 PAJ$144,768
Warrant Officer
5
- RankMinMax
Experienced senior aviator coordinating sections, training, and specialist work.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Increment 1PAA$111,623 PAB$114,844 PAC$118,979 PAD$123,446 PAE$128,267 PAF$133,473 PAG$139,097 PAH$145,172 PAI$151,730 PAJ$158,815 Increment 0PAA$109,733 PAB$112,956 PAC$117,094 PAD$121,557 PAE$126,379 PAF$131,586 PAG$137,211 PAH$143,286 PAI$149,842 PAJ$156,929 Provides senior enlisted leadership and specialist expertise across units and establishments.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Tier A 1PWA$119,455 PWB$122,679 PWC$126,815 PWD$131,275 PWE$136,098 PWF$141,304 PWG$146,930 PWH$153,002 PWI$159,562 PWJ$166,648 Tier A 0PWA$117,408 PWB$120,630 PWC$124,762 PWD$129,230 PWE$134,052 PWF$139,253 PWG$144,881 PWH$150,955 PWI$157,512 PWJ$164,598 Holds broader supervisory and advisory responsibility across senior Air Force roles.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Tier B 0PXD$134,419 PXE$139,245 PXF$144,452 PXG$150,074 PXH$156,144 PXI$162,712 PXJ$169,795 Represents the highest warrant tier focused on standards, advice, and workforce leadership.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Tier C 0PXR$156,144 PXS$162,712 PXT$169,795 Serves as Air Force's senior aviator adviser on standards, culture, and workforce matters.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Plan Salary Service Warrant Officer PXU $169,795
Officer
12
- RankMinMax
Newly commissioned officer learning to lead, administer, and support capability delivery.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Increment 1PGA$89,435 PGB$94,828 PGD$101,055 PGF$106,443 PGI$112,455 PGJ$119,196 PGK$125,958 PGL$133,279 PGM$140,603 PGN$145,493 Increment 0PGA$87,091 PGB$92,486 PGD$98,708 PGF$104,099 PGI$110,113 PGJ$116,850 PGK$123,618 PGL$130,935 PGM$138,260 PGN$143,150 Junior officer leading teams and managing early-career operational or support responsibilities.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Increment 3PGA$100,259 PGB$105,647 PGD$111,872 PGF$117,264 PGI$123,270 PGJ$130,010 PGK$136,778 PGL$144,101 PGM$151,421 PGN$156,316 Increment 2PGA$97,357 PGB$102,750 PGD$108,973 PGF$114,362 PGI$120,377 PGJ$127,117 PGK$133,881 PGL$141,203 PGM$148,526 PGN$153,415 Increment 1PGA$94,508 PGB$99,899 PGD$106,126 PGF$111,517 PGI$117,527 PGJ$124,265 PGK$131,030 PGL$138,356 PGM$145,675 PGN$150,567 Increment 0PGA$91,778 PGB$97,168 PGD$103,395 PGF$108,786 PGI$114,798 PGJ$121,538 PGK$128,300 PGL$135,620 PGM$142,944 PGN$147,835 Officer leading flights, projects, or specialist functions with broader accountability.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Mid-level officer managing units, operations, or key headquarters functions.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Increment 2PGA$137,420 PGB$142,811 PGD$149,037 PGF$154,428 PGI$160,440 PGJ$167,178 PGK$173,943 PGL$181,265 PGM$188,583 PGN$193,476 Increment 1PGA$133,718 PGB$139,113 PGD$145,336 PGF$150,726 PGI$156,738 PGJ$163,481 PGK$170,243 PGL$177,565 PGM$184,887 PGN$189,775 Increment 0PGA$130,007 PGB$135,402 PGD$141,624 PGF$147,014 PGI$153,028 PGJ$159,769 PGK$166,532 PGL$173,855 PGM$181,175 PGN$186,067 Senior officer leading squadrons, major projects, or higher-level staff work.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Increment 1PGA$164,718 PGB$170,113 PGD$176,340 PGF$181,730 PGI$187,741 PGJ$194,479 PGK$201,244 PGL$208,567 PGM$215,886 PGN$220,780 Increment 0PGA$159,440 PGB$164,832 PGD$171,058 PGF$176,450 PGI$182,462 PGJ$189,202 PGK$195,963 PGL$203,286 PGM$210,608 PGN$215,502 Senior officer commanding wings, large units, or major capability branches.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Increment 1PGA$192,318 PGB$197,710 PGD$203,932 PGF$209,323 PGI$215,338 PGJ$222,075 PGK$228,844 PGL$236,158 PGM$243,480 PGN$248,376 Increment 0PGA$186,934 PGB$192,324 PGD$198,552 PGF$203,938 PGI$209,953 PGJ$216,693 PGK$223,452 PGL$230,777 PGM$238,100 PGN$242,990 Newly commissioned officer learning to lead, administer, and support capability delivery. Legacy transitional pay structure closed to new entrants.
- Closed to new entrants in the official ADF military salary rates.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Increment 0PSA$103,977 PSB$109,371 PSD$115,592 PSF$120,986 PSI$126,998 PSJ$133,735 PSK$140,501 PSL$147,822 PSM$155,144 PSN$160,034 Junior officer leading teams and managing early-career operational or support responsibilities. Legacy transitional pay structure closed to new entrants.
- Closed to new entrants in the official ADF military salary rates.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Increment 3PSA$113,916 PSB$119,309 PSD$125,532 PSF$130,923 PSI$136,936 PSJ$143,675 PSK$150,440 PSL$157,758 PSM$165,081 PSN$169,973 Increment 2PSA$111,430 PSB$116,823 PSD$123,046 PSF$128,440 PSI$134,449 PSJ$141,191 PSK$147,952 PSL$155,273 PSM$162,602 PSN$167,487 Increment 1PSA$108,945 PSB$114,340 PSD$120,562 PSF$125,954 PSI$131,968 PSJ$138,707 PSK$145,466 PSL$152,791 PSM$160,114 PSN$165,005 Increment 0PSA$106,454 PSB$111,847 PSD$118,069 PSF$123,461 PSI$129,472 PSJ$136,213 PSK$142,975 PSL$150,298 PSM$157,623 PSN$162,508 Officer leading flights, projects, or specialist functions with broader accountability. Legacy transitional pay structure closed to new entrants.
- Closed to new entrants in the official ADF military salary rates.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Point 1 Point 2 Point 3 Point 4 Point 5 Point 6 Point 7 Point 8 Point 9 Point 10 Increment 3PSA$123,850 PSB$129,247 PSD$135,472 PSF$140,861 PSI$146,875 PSJ$153,614 PSK$160,378 PSL$167,702 PSM$175,024 PSN$179,912 Increment 2PSA$121,367 PSB$126,760 PSD$132,985 PSF$138,375 PSI$144,388 PSJ$151,125 PSK$157,892 PSL$165,213 PSM$172,532 PSN$177,426 Increment 1PSA$118,876 PSB$124,266 PSD$130,495 PSF$135,881 PSI$141,896 PSJ$148,635 PSK$155,397 PSL$162,722 PSM$170,038 PSN$174,931 Increment 0PSA$116,394 PSB$121,789 PSD$128,014 PSF$133,408 PSI$139,417 PSJ$146,157 PSK$152,916 PSL$160,241 PSM$167,566 PSN$172,456 One-star officer leading major Air Force formations or headquarters portfolios.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Plan Salary Increment 0 PGM $282,677 Three-star leader with service-wide or joint strategic responsibility.
- The official ADF military salary rates also list position amounts of $46,025 (point 2) and $88,744 (point 3) alongside the salary row.
Pay Progression
Click any salary to open it in the tax calculator.
Row Plan Salary Salary PG1 $478,781
Current pay rates · Source: Department of Defence.
Air Force salary ranges
Lowest
$34,220/ yr
Median
$133,735/ yr
Top
$478,781/ yr
Compare two rank groups
Tap to change
$0$100K$200K$300K$400K$500K
Enlisted
4 ranks·$79k–$148k
Officer
9 ranks·$87k–$479k
Δ Lowest
+$7,995/ yr
Δ Median
+$78,104/ yr
Δ Top
+$330,690/ yr
On top of base pay
Pay & Conditions ManualADF allowances and benefits
ADF superannuation
16.4%vs 12% civilian standard(+4.4pp)
ADF members receive a 16.4% employer super rate — well above the standard Super Guarantee.
Cash allowancesService allowances paid on top of base salary
Service2
Retention payment for specific aircrew specialisations.
Operational1
Warlike and non-warlike operations — rate by zone and threat level.
Location1
Remote postings such as Darwin, Townsville, Tindal.
Non-cash benefitsHousing, healthcare and ADF support entitlements
- ADF Health (medical and dental)IncludedAll permanent members
- Defence housing (DHA)DHADefence Housing Australia
- Uniforms and kitIssuedMaintained at Defence cost
- Tax-free deploymentOperationalOn certified deployments
- Retention bonusConditionalSpecialist trades
- Fully paid trainingLifelongTrade, leadership, degree pathways
Rates and eligibility set by ADF Pay and Conditions.
About Royal Australian Air Force Pay Scales
The Royal Australian Air Force section mirrors the current official ADF military salary rates. It covers permanent base-rate schedules and trainee schedule B.13 for 29 pay groups, ranging from $34,220 up to $478,781. Specialist, reserve, aviation, cyber, and Military Factor tables are not included on this page.
Figures are annual gross base salary. RAAF members are paid fortnightly (26 cycles a year), so divide by 26 for a per-fortnight gross figure, by 12 for an approximate monthly amount, or by 52 for a weekly equivalent. Use the timeframe toggle on the salary table above to switch any rank between yearly, monthly, fortnightly, and weekly views.
Air Force Enlisted Pay — Aircraftman to Flight Sergeant
In the permanent Air Force schedules, an Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman (ACW) earns from $79,096 to $126,292. A Leading Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman (LACW) ranges from $80,341 to $127,530, a Corporal (CPL) from $86,966 to $137,047, and a Flight Sergeant (FSGT) from $109,733 to $158,815. Sergeant (SGT) sits between Corporal and Flight Sergeant and also appears in the single-service table.
Air Force Warrant Officer Pay — WO Tiers A/B/C and Warrant Officer Of The Air Force
The Air Force Warrant Officer grade is split into three tiers: Tier A runs from $117,408 to $166,648, Tier B from $134,419 to $169,795, and Tier C from $156,144 to $169,795. Above all three tiers sits the Warrant Officer Of The Air Force (WOAF), a unique senior appointment with a salary of $169,795 to $169,795.
Air Force Officer Pay — Pilot Officer to Air Marshal
Among permanent officers, a Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) ranges from $106,257 to $179,912, a Squadron Leader (SQNLDR) from $130,007 to $193,476, and a Wing Commander (WGCDR) from $159,440 to $220,780. Senior officer rows continue through Group Captain (GPCAPT), Air Commodore (AIRCDRE), Air Vice Marshal (AVM), and Air Marshal (AIRMSHL) at the top of the permanent schedule.
Drop any figure from the tables above into the tax calculator to see take-home pay after PAYG, Medicare and HECS, or weigh up a posting move against a civilian offer with the salary comparison tool.
Use this page when
- You want the current RAAF base salary for a specific rank and increment.
- You are comparing RAAF pay against another service or a civilian role.
- You need to estimate take-home pay after PAYG, Medicare and HECS.
- You want to understand which allowances sit on top of base pay.
ADF superannuation: 16.4%, not the civilian default
ADF members get 16.4% employer super on base pay, well above the 12% civilian Super Guarantee. On a six-figure base, the gap alone is worth several thousand a year before any contributions you add through salary sacrifice. The exact split between ADF Super (accumulation) and the legacy MSBS (defined benefit) depends on your enlistment date.
When does the ADF get a pay rise?
Pay movements come from the ADF Workplace Remuneration Arrangement (WRA), which is negotiated for a fixed term and delivers scheduled annual increases. The current pay schedule applies the latest WRA increase, with further movements built into the determination.
What is the Military Factor?
Military Factor is a recognition payment built into ADF base salaries — it compensates for the 24/7 nature of military service, liability for deployment, and conditions civilians do not face. It is already embedded in the salary figures on this page, not a separate top-up.
MSBS vs ADF Super
Members who joined before 1 July 2016 are usually in MSBS (the defined-benefit Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme). Members who joined from that date are in ADF Super, an accumulation scheme with 16.4% employer contributions plus an insurance-style death and invalidity cover.
How RAAF pay compares to civilian roles
Base salaries are broadly competitive with equivalent public and private roles, but total compensation is typically higher once you factor in 16.4% super, tax-free deployment allowances, subsidised medical and dental, and housing assistance. Use Compare Job Offers to model the after-tax gap.
Reading increments and PMKEYS plan codes
Read the table as rank → increment → salary. Increment 0 is the promotion entry point. PAA / PAB / PAJ are PMKEYS pay grade codes for other-rank tables; officer tables use PGA–PGN. Payslip labels may not match the table label exactly.
Reserve and part-time service
Reserve members on Service Category 5 (active reserve) are paid the same daily rate as their permanent equivalent but on a tax-free basis up to the published limit. Reserve and specialist tables are not included on this page — refer to the linked determination for the full set.
RAAF-specific ranks and structural quirks
The Royal Australian Air Force uses distinctive enlisted titles: Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman (ACW) → Leading Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman (LACW) → Corporal (CPL) → Sergeant (SGT) → Flight Sergeant (FSGT). The tables also include transitional officer rows — Pilot Officer Transitional, Flying Officer Transitional, and Flight Lieutenant Transitional — which are intermediate pay grades. Above Warrant Officer Tier C sits the Warrant Officer Of The Air Force (WOAF), a unique senior appointment with its own pay grade. Note that Flying Allowance is a separate specialist payment and does not appear in the base-rate tables on this page.
Rates effective 6 Nov 2025 under the Official ADF Military Salary Rates. Checked against official sources 18 July 2026 — no newer pay determination in force.
Comparing pay across Navy, Army and Air Force? See the full cross-service rank and salary table →
More reading
Related guides
Background reading on tax, super, and salary topics.
Superannuation Contributions GuideConcessional caps, non-concessional caps, Division 293, voluntary contributions, and carry-forward.Complete Salary Sacrifice GuideWhat salary sacrifice is, how it saves tax, and which types (super, cars, healthcare) are available.How Income Tax Works in AustraliaTax brackets, marginal vs effective rates, LITO, Medicare levy, and HECS — everything in one place.Medicare Levy Surcharge CalculatorCheck whether you owe the surcharge, find your tier and rate, and weigh private hospital cover against the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question we didn’t answer? Contact us →
What is the Air Force recruit training salary in the official ADF military salary rates?
The official ADF military salary rates list Air Force recruit basic training at $60,517 per year effective 06 November 2025. The same trainee schedule then shows initial employment training at $69,162 for 0-6 months, $72,621 for 6-12 months, and $76,079 for 12 months and beyond.
What permanent Air Force base rates are shown on this page?
The Air Force page covers the permanent base-rate schedules from Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman through Air Marshal, plus Air Force trainee schedule B.13 entries. It also includes Warrant Officer Tier A, B, and C rows and transitional officer rows where the official ADF military salary rates list them.
How does Air Force superannuation compare to civilian employment?
This site shows ADF employer superannuation separately at 16.4% for pay comparisons and take-home estimates. Compared with the standard civilian rate of 12%, that would mean $18,040 in employer super on a $110,000 base salary rather than $13,200.
What is the salary range for a RAAF officer in the permanent tables?
In the permanent officer schedules, Pilot Officer (PLTOFF) starts at $87,091, Flying Officer (FLGOFF) ranges from $91,778 to $156,316, Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) ranges from $106,257 to $179,912, Squadron Leader (SQNLDR) ranges from $130,007 to $193,476, and Group Captain (GPCAPT) ranges from $186,934 to $248,376. Senior officer rows continue through Air Commodore, Air Vice Marshal, and Air Marshal.
Do Air Force aircrew allowances appear in these salary tables?
No. This page focuses on permanent base rates and trainee pay from the official ADF military salary rates. Flying Allowance and other specialist payments remain separate from the base-rate schedules shown here.
What do increment 0 and plan codes like PAA, PAB, and PGA mean in Air Force pay tables?
In the ADF pay tables, an increment such as increment 0, increment 1, or increment 2 labels the salary row within a rank grouping. Increment 0 is the starting pay point when someone is promoted into that rank, and later increments are higher pay steps within the same rank. On some payslips, that promotion entry point may appear differently, so the label on a payslip may not always match the table wording exactly. Codes such as PAA to PAJ and PGA to PGN are the PMKEYS pay grade codes shown in the tables. The simplest way to read a row is rank first, then increment, then salary, with the plan code helping you match that row back to the official table.
Is RAAF salary tax free in Australia?
Royal Australian Air Force base salary is subject to standard income tax, Medicare levy, and HECS/HELP repayments — the same rules that apply to civilian employment. Some allowances are treated differently: deployment allowance paid during eligible overseas operations may be exempt from income tax under ATO provisions. Service allowance and flying allowance are generally taxable. Use the pay calculator on this site to estimate take-home pay from any Air Force rank salary after tax and Medicare.
Does this page cover Air Force Reserve pay?
No. This page shows permanent (full-time) Air Force base rates and trainee schedule B.13 only. Air Force Reserve members are paid a daily rate equivalent to their permanent rank, calculated on a service category basis, but those schedules are outside the scope shown here. For current Reserve pay rates, refer to the official ADF Pay and Conditions website at pay-conditions.defence.gov.au.
Do Air Force members get paid weekly or monthly?
Royal Australian Air Force members are paid fortnightly (every two weeks) into a nominated bank account — 26 pay cycles per year. The annual salaries shown on this page divide by 26 for the fortnightly gross figure, by 12 for an approximate monthly amount, or by 52 for a weekly equivalent. Use the timeframe toggle on the salary table above to switch any rank's pay between annual, monthly, fortnightly, and weekly views.
What is the Air Force retention or completion bonus?
The Air Force offers retention and completion bonuses for hard-to-fill specialist categories — most notably aircrew (pilots, air combat officers, aviation warfare officers) and some technical trades. These bonuses are paid in addition to base salary and are not included in the rank tables shown on this page. Eligibility, amounts, and bond periods change with each iteration of the relevant determination. For current bonus schedules, refer to the official ADF Pay and Conditions website at pay-conditions.defence.gov.au.
More tools
Explore related calculators
Convert hours, pay, tax, super, and planning questions.