Air Force Pay Bonuses
Air Force is the branch of the US Armed Forces that gets the highest pay bonuses and special pay. As someone who’s working for the Air Force, you’ll get plenty of benefits as far as your salary is concerned on top of your basic pay. The same as all the other service members of the Armed Forces, you’ll get locality adjustment based on where you’re stationed. That’s why the military pay chart 2021 doesn’t reflect the actual total monthly payment a military service member receives.
The most important Air Force bonus to most is the enlistment bonus. Certain Air Force members are eligible for the enlistment bonus. If you’re in either one of the following positions, you can get an enlistment bonus of up to $10,000.
- airborne
- land-based linguist
- combat control
- pararescue
- explosive ordnance disposal
- survival evasion rescue evacuation
You’re eligible for the Air Force enlistment bonus after completing technical training in your assigned position. The enlistment bonus is paid in a single lump sum. If you’re wondering whether or not you’ll pay taxes on your enlistment bonus, know that you will. Just like your base pay, the enlistment bonus is taxed at the tax rate that applies to your income.
There is also the Aviation Bonus, or shortly known as AVB payments. This bonus depends on the length of the aviation duration and position. The maximum Aviation Bonus is $25,000 per year for regular component officers, reserve component active guard, and reserved officers performing flying duties that are qualified. The $35,000 AVB payment is for regular component officers, reserve component active guard, and reserve officers performing flying duty-related UAS (drone) operators.
On the lower end of the spectrum, there is the $18,000 AVB bonus given to all the other reserve component officers performing qualified flying duty. This also includes drone operators.
