As an enlisted member of the Air Force, each person gets a basic salary in addition to many other allowances or bonus pay. Depending on the time each person has been in service, the basic salary can vary and even increase over time. Starting out, a new recruit can expect to make around $1200 per month, and with promotions and time the salary increases.

Promotions are given based on work performance and time enlisted and depending on rank personnel can make up to $2400 per month around the second year of service. Drill Pay is established for reservists who work one weekend per month, averaging out to about 4 drills.

An entry-level reservist can expect to make $166 for the first 4 months, and then increase up to $321 by the second year. As with enlisted personnel, the amount of time spent in the service can increase pay and for working only one weekend a month, members can supplement civilian income.

In addition to basic pay, the Air Force allows for different types of pay in special situations like:

• Hardship Duty Pay- Members are compensated for being sent to difficult living situations like: Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, Libya and many other locations.

• Imminent Danger Pay-For members that are on duty outside the U.S. and subject to harm through wartime conditions, terrorism or civil war.

The Air Force also offers enlisted incentives or bonuses that can save money for things like:

• Living and Food Allowances
• Uniform Allowance
• Travel Allowances
• Free Medical and Dental

Enlisting in the United States Air Force not only provides service members with the opportunity to learn job skills and training, as well as receive many incentives and assistance, but they also provide a competitive salary and compensation for other living conditions and cost of living expenses throughout the military environment.