The Australian Defence Force (ADF) offers one of the most structured and competitive salary systems in Australia, based on rank, role, and years of service. Whether you're considering a career in the Army, Navy, or Air Force, understanding the ADF salary pay scale by rank and years of service in 2025 is crucial for making an informed decision.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about ADF salaries: how much you earn by rank, how salary increases with years served, additional allowances, and career progression paths. We’ll also cover the differences between commissioned and non-commissioned salaries, officer training pay, and frequently asked questions.
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Pay Structure Overview
The ADF salary structure is determined by a rank-based classification system. Members receive Base Salary (BS) and may be eligible for Service Allowance, Deployment Allowance, and other job-specific entitlements. The pay structure ensures fair compensation based on responsibilities, rank, and time served.
Key Salary Components:
-
Base Salary: Your core wage based on rank.
-
Service Allowance: Paid to full-time ADF members in recognition of the unique requirements of military service.
-
Job-Related Allowances: Depending on your role (e.g., submariner, aviation).
-
Deployment Allowance: For overseas missions or war zones.
-
Location Allowance: For serving in remote or hardship locations.
Pay Types Across ADF Roles:
-
General Enlisted/Other Ranks
-
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
-
Commissioned Officers
-
Specialist Roles (Doctors, Pilots, Engineers)
ADF Salary Pay Scale by Rank in 2025
Below is a breakdown of estimated ADF salaries by rank, applicable across Army, Navy, and Air Force unless otherwise stated. These figures include base pay plus service allowance but exclude specialist or location-based incentives.
Recruit & Basic Entry Pay
| Rank | Branch | Entry Level Annual Salary (2025 Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Recruit (Initial Training) | All | AUD $53,500 - $56,800 |
| Officer Cadet / Midshipman | Officer Training | AUD $45,000 - $52,000 |
Recruits receive full pay during training, plus accommodation, meals, and uniforms.
General Enlisted Ranks (Private to Corporal)
| Rank | Years of Service | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Private (PTE) | 0–2 years | AUD $61,000 – $64,000 |
| Private Proficient | 3–5 years | AUD $65,000 – $69,000 |
| Lance Corporal (LCPL) | 3–7 years | AUD $70,000 – $74,000 |
| Corporal (CPL) | 4+ years | AUD $76,000 – $82,000 |
As you gain experience, your rank and salary automatically increase within the enlisted structure.
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
| Rank | Average Service Time | Annual Salary Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Sergeant (SGT) | 6–12 years | AUD $84,000 – $92,000 |
| Staff Sergeant / Petty Officer | 10–14 years | AUD $95,000 – $102,000 |
| Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) | 12–18 years | AUD $105,000 – $110,000 |
| Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) | 15–20+ years | AUD $112,000 – $120,000 |
| Chief Petty Officer / Flight Sergeant | Navy/RAAF equivalent | Similar range |
NCOs play a key leadership role. Their salary reflects additional command responsibility and training.
Commissioned Officers
| Officer Rank | Typical Years Served | Estimated Annual Salary (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Officer Cadet / Midshipman | Training Phase | AUD $45,000 – $52,000 |
| Lieutenant / Flying Officer / Sub-Lieutenant | 1–4 years | AUD $80,000 – $90,000 |
| Captain / Flight Lieutenant / Lieutenant | 4–8 years | AUD $95,000 – $105,000 |
| Major / Squadron Leader / Lieutenant Commander | 8–12 years | AUD $110,000 – $125,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel / Wing Commander / Commander | 12–16 years | AUD $130,000 – $145,000 |
| Colonel / Group Captain / Captain | 16–20 years | AUD $150,000 – $165,000 |
| Brigadier / Air Commodore / Commodore | 20+ years | AUD $180,000 – $200,000 |
| Major General / Air Vice-Marshal / Rear Admiral | Senior Leaders | AUD $220,000+ |
Higher officer ranks often include benefits like housing subsidies, cars, and additional entitlements.
ADF Salary Growth by Years of Service
1–4 Years
-
Most members are in early career ranks (PTE, LCPL).
-
Salary growth is steady due to automatic step increases and promotions.
5–10 Years
-
Many progress to Corporal or Sergeant levels.
-
Officers may advance to Captain or Flight Lieutenant.
-
Specialized training can increase base pay.
10–20 Years
-
Members reach senior NCO or field officer ranks.
-
Long-service bonuses, higher allowances apply.
-
Career stability and high retirement contributions.
20+ Years
-
Eligible for top command positions and senior leadership.
-
Maximum salary caps and ADF pension plan benefits come into effect.
Allowances and Benefits in the ADF
Service Allowance
A fixed annual amount (around AUD $13,000 in 2025) to compensate for military lifestyle demands.
Location Allowance
For serving in remote or difficult conditions. Can range from AUD $3,000 – $20,000+ depending on location.
Uniform and Equipment
All uniforms and necessary gear are provided at no cost.
Housing and Accommodation
-
Subsidised accommodation on-base.
-
Rent allowance for those living off-base.
Health and Dental Care
Free comprehensive healthcare for members. Families may receive subsidised coverage.
Leave and Holidays
-
20 days of annual leave
-
Up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave
-
Generous long service leave
Retirement Benefits
The ADF Super and Military Super schemes offer excellent pension options for long-serving members.
ADF Salary Summary Table (2025)
| Category | Rank | Years of Service | Estimated Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | Recruit | 0–1 | $53,500 – $56,800 |
| Junior Enlisted | PTE to CPL | 1–5 | $61,000 – $82,000 |
| NCO | SGT to WO1 | 6–20 | $84,000 – $120,000 |
| Officer | LT to MAJ | 1–12 | $80,000 – $125,000 |
| Senior Officer | LTCOL to COL | 12–20 | $130,000 – $165,000 |
| Executive Officer | BRIG and above | 20+ | $180,000 – $220,000+ |
Specialist Roles and Salary Bonuses
Pilots
-
Base pay + aviation allowance
-
Total can exceed AUD $150,000 by 10+ years
Doctors and Health Professionals
-
Start at Captain equivalent rank
-
Salaries range from AUD $100,000 – $180,000+
Engineers and IT Specialists
-
Receive technical allowances
-
Early career salaries start higher than standard officers
How ADF Salaries Compare to Civilian Jobs
-
Stable income regardless of market fluctuations
-
Guaranteed career progression with time and performance
-
Tax-free allowances boost take-home pay
-
Housing and healthcare savings make ADF income highly competitive
How to Join the ADF and Start Earning
-
Choose a Path – Army, Navy, Air Force; enlisted or officer
-
Apply Online – Via Defence Jobs
-
Attend Assessment Centre
-
Pass Medical & Fitness Tests
-
Enlistment & Training – You start earning immediately
You can also speak to an ADF recruiter in person or attend local information sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does a recruit earn in the ADF in 2025?
A recruit earns between AUD $53,500 – $56,800 during training, plus free accommodation and meals.
2. Do officers get paid more than enlisted soldiers?
Yes. ADF officer salaries start higher and increase significantly with rank.
3. What allowances do ADF members receive?
Members receive service allowance, location allowance, uniform allowance, and deployment bonuses.
4. Does the ADF provide housing?
Yes. Members may live on base or receive rental assistance if living off base.
5. How does ADF pay increase with years of service?
Pay increases with promotions, training, and years served. You also receive annual increments within each rank.
6. Is ADF salary tax-free?
The base salary is taxable, but many allowances are tax-free, increasing your take-home pay.
7. Do ADF members get superannuation?
Yes. The ADF Super scheme is one of the most generous in Australia, with matched contributions.
8. Can I earn more by working in specialised roles?
Yes. Pilots, engineers, doctors, and cybersecurity roles attract higher salaries and technical allowances.
9. Can reservists earn similar pay?
Reservists are paid at daily rates based on their rank but don’t receive all full-time benefits.
10. Is the ADF a good long-term career financially?
Yes. The combination of salary, allowances, job security, and retirement benefits makes the ADF financially rewarding.
Conclusion: Is the ADF Salary Worth It?
The ADF salary pay scale by rank and years of service in 2025 makes a career in the Australian Defence Force financially stable and rewarding. Whether you're starting out as a recruit or aiming for a senior leadership role, the ADF offers competitive wages, strong benefits, and long-term security.
If you’re seeking a well-paid, respected, and structured career with growth opportunities, the ADF remains one of the best choices in Australia. Start by exploring your options through Defence Jobs Australia and take your first step toward a high-paying, high-impact future.