PILOT CET 2025

A pilot in the U.S. Air Force doesn't just receive a basic salary their compensation is a structured mix of base pay flight pay allowances and a robust benefits package far from basic.

Base Salary depends on rank and years of service. A newly commissioned pilot may begin with a modest base. For example as a Second Lieutenant (O1) base pay is roughly $38,000 per year or about $3,188 per month.
But that's just the start flight pay ($150/month or more depending on role) housing allowance (BAH) subsistence allowance (BAS) and the government matching contributions for retirement savings (TSP) notably boost take home compensation. Example: an O 1 s total compensation can reach nearly $54,000 annually. With seniority (like O 5), total compensation can exceed $190,000 per year.
Independently reported figures like from ZipRecruiter place average U.S. Air Force pilot salaries at around $130,900 per year (as of Aug 2025) with top earners reaching $175,000. lists average pilot pay at approximately $116,600, which is actually 27% above the national average

Perks & Benefits

The perks are extensive:

Health & Insurance: Comprehensive coverage medical dental vision disability life insurance with low or no cost premiums.
Housing & Food: Either on-base housing plus allowances off base access to tax free base retail/grocery stores allowances reduce living expenses significantly.
Paid Leave & Travel: Generous 30 days of paid vacation per year plus discounted lodging on military bases and relocation travel support.
Retirement Savings: Eligibility for retirement after 20 years of service plus participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (like a 401(k)) with government matching.
Education: Tuition assistance programs eligibility for GI Bill benefits potential loan repayment and college credits during training.
Lifestyle & Training: Access to recreational facilities, unique assignments, world class simulators and accelerated training pathways (like automatic FAA ratings) that can cost $60,000–$100,000 if pursued privately.
Combat or Hazard Pay: In deployments or combat zones pilots may receive additional hazard or incentive pay sometimes tax free

Perks & Benefits

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Commercial Pilot License (4)

Commercial Helicopter Pilot License (2)

Private Helicopter Pilot License (3)

pilot (330)

PPL (1)

SPL (4)

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Perks & Benefits

Commercial Pilot License (4)

Commercial Helicopter Pilot License (2)

Private Helicopter Pilot License (3)

pilot (330)

PPL (1)

SPL (4)