Royal Australian Air Force Officer Salary Scale by Rank (2025 Update)

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) plays a pivotal role in the defence of Australia and its national interests. As one of the three branches of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the RAAF attracts individuals who are highly skilled, dedicated, and committed to serving their country.

One of the key motivations for joining the RAAF as an officer is the competitive salary structure that rewards leadership, responsibility, and rank. But what exactly does the 2025 salary scale look like for RAAF officers? How does pay change as you rise through the ranks? What are the additional allowances and benefits that come with service?

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the Royal Australian Air Force officer salary scale by rank in 2025, along with insights into allowances, promotion paths, and what aspiring officers can expect financially. Whether you're considering a career in the Air Force or simply curious about defence force salaries in Australia, this guide offers everything you need to know.

Commissioned Officer Ranks in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)

Before diving into the salary figures, it's important to understand the hierarchy of commissioned ranks in the RAAF. These ranks determine the level of responsibility, leadership, and pay an officer receives.

The commissioned officer ranks in the RAAF (from lowest to highest) are:

• Pilot Officer (PLTOFF)

• Flying Officer (FLGOFF)

• Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT)

• Squadron Leader (SQNLDR)

• Wing Commander (WGCDR)

• Group Captain (GPCAPT)

• Air Commodore (AIRCDRE)

• Air Vice-Marshal (AVM)

• Air Marshal (AIRMSHL)

• Air Chief Marshal (ACM) – This is the highest possible rank, typically held by the Chief of the Defence Force if appointed from the RAAF.

Each rank carries increasing levels of command responsibility and experience, and salaries are structured to reflect this progression.

Royal Australian Air Force Officer Salary by Rank (2025 Update)

In 2025, officer salaries in the RAAF are determined by rank and years of service, with periodic adjustments to reflect inflation, operational costs, and defence budgeting.

Here's a detailed breakdown of officer base salaries by rank:

Pilot Officer (PLTOFF)

• Entry-level officer rank

• Base Salary: Approximately AUD $73,500 – $79,000 per annum

• Common for new graduates from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) or those completing officer training at RAAF Base East Sale.

Flying Officer (FLGOFF)

• Second-level officer rank, usually attained within 1–2 years of service

• Base Salary: AUD $81,000 – $88,000

• Involves greater responsibilities including supervising junior personnel.

Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT)

• Mid-level officer with operational command duties

• Base Salary: AUD $95,000 – $103,000

• Often pilots, engineers, or specialists with 4–8 years of experience.

Squadron Leader (SQNLDR)

• Senior officer responsible for leading squadrons or specialist departments

• Base Salary: AUD $113,000 – $123,000

• Eligible for a range of allowances based on role, deployment, and command duties.

Wing Commander (WGCDR)

• High-ranking officer in charge of major units or operational wings

• Base Salary: AUD $134,000 – $146,000

• Typically over 15 years of service and extensive leadership experience.

Group Captain (GPCAPT)

• Senior executive level, equivalent to Colonel in the Army

• Base Salary: AUD $154,000 – $167,000

• Oversees large-scale operations or holds key strategic roles.

Air Commodore (AIRCDRE)

• One-star rank; executive leadership position

• Base Salary: AUD $185,000 – $198,000

• Involved in defence strategy, policy, and force structure development.

Air Vice-Marshal (AVM)

• Two-star rank; high command level

• Base Salary: AUD $215,000 – $230,000

• Heads major branches or commands entire wings.

Air Marshal (AIRMSHL)

• Three-star officer and top-level commander

• Base Salary: AUD $265,000 – $285,000

• Oversees major ADF commands or strategic roles in Defence HQ.

Air Chief Marshal (ACM)

• Highest RAAF rank (if appointed as Chief of the Defence Force)

• Base Salary: AUD $360,000 – $395,000

• Reserved for only one officer at a time, responsible for overall defence leadership.

Additional Allowances and Benefits for RAAF Officers in 2025

In addition to base pay, RAAF officers may be eligible for a range of financial benefits and allowances depending on their role, location, and circumstances:

1. Service Allowance

• Paid to compensate for the unique demands of military life.

• Approximately AUD $14,000 – $18,000 annually.

2. Deployment and Operational Allowances

• Officers deployed on operations receive extra payments.

• Can range from $200 to $1,000+ per fortnight, depending on location and risk.

3. Location Allowance

• For postings in remote or high-cost areas.

• Helps offset housing and living costs.

4. Uniform and Equipment Allowances

• Covers upkeep and purchase of required gear.

5. Housing Assistance

• Subsidised or fully provided housing depending on posting.

• Access to Defence Housing Australia (DHA) options.

6. Medical and Dental Care

• Comprehensive healthcare for serving members and their dependents.

7. Education and Career Development

• Access to funded postgraduate study, specialist training, and career advancement programs.

Promotion Pathways and Salary Growth

Progression through the officer ranks is based on a mix of merit, years of service, performance evaluations, and training.

• Officers typically move from Pilot Officer to Flying Officer within the first 2 years.

• Further promotions to Flight Lieutenant or Squadron Leader follow after successful leadership roles and operational experience.

• High-performing officers may be fast-tracked into strategic or executive roles, especially in specialist branches such as intelligence, logistics, or aviation command.

With each promotion comes a notable increase in pay, access to new allowances, and broader leadership opportunities.

Summary Table: RAAF Officer Salary by Rank in Australia 2025

How to Become an Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force

Thinking of joining the RAAF as an officer? Here's a brief guide:

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements

   • Be an Australian citizen

   • Meet fitness, education, and security criteria

2. Choose an Officer Entry Path

   • Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)

   • Direct Entry (for graduates or professionals)

   • Specialist Officer Entry (e.g., medical, engineering)

3. Undergo Officer Training

   • Training is typically conducted at RAAF Base East Sale or ADFA Canberra.

   • Duration varies based on entry path.

4. Graduate and Commission as an Officer

   • Start your career as a Pilot Officer or Flying Officer depending on qualifications.

5. Advance Your Career

   • Take leadership roles, specialise, or pursue higher education through Defence programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the starting salary for a RAAF officer in 2025?

The starting base salary for a Pilot Officer is around AUD $73,500, excluding allowances.

2. Do RAAF officers get paid during training?

Yes. Officer trainees at ADFA or during initial military training receive full pay and benefits.

3. How often do RAAF officer salaries increase?

Salaries generally increase annually with inflation adjustments and after promotions.

4. Are there bonuses for deployments?

Yes. Officers deployed on overseas or high-risk missions receive deployment allowances.

5. Can I join the RAAF as an officer with a university degree?

Yes. Graduates can apply through the Direct Entry Officer (DEO) route.

6. What rank do pilots start at in the RAAF?

Newly trained pilots usually start as Flying Officers after completing pilot training.

7. Do RAAF officers get free housing?

They receive housing assistance or subsidised accommodation via Defence Housing Australia (DHA).

8. What benefits do officers get aside from salary?

Medical care, dental, education funding, housing support, and travel allowances.

9. Is the RAAF officer salary taxable?

Yes, base salary is taxable. Some allowances may be exempt or partially taxed.

10. Can RAAF officers retire with a pension?

Yes. Officers are eligible for military superannuation and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) or Military Super depending on service start date.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Australian Air Force officer salary scale in 2025 reflects the prestige, commitment, and strategic importance of serving as an officer. With structured rank progression, generous benefits, and strong career development pathways, the RAAF continues to attract some of Australia’s best and brightest leaders.

Whether you're planning to join or simply exploring military career options, understanding the salary landscape helps you make an informed, strategic decision. If you're ready to fly high in service of Australia, the RAAF officer path offers both honour and reward.