How Much Do Nurses In the Air Force Make?
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Sean Murphy / Stone / Getty ImagesThe Nurse Corps — a division of the United States Air Force — employs 19,000 nurses and other healthcare professionals. Nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) can enlist as Air Force nurses.
Air Force registered nurses (RNs) train to provide evidence-based and emergent care to patients, families and warfighters globally. They develop and maintain leadership roles while applying research to their nursing scope of practice.
An Air Force nurse can earn a competitive salary, especially if they work for several years in the Air Force. The U.S. Air Force also offers nurses the standard military benefits: retirement after 20 years, a rewarding bonus structure, and potential funding for an advanced degree.
This guide helps explain how to become an Air Force nurse.
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Average Salary for Air Force Nurses
Like all military salaries, the salary range for Air Force nurses is based on rank which is also reflected by the pay grade.
Like much of the rest of the Air Force, Air Force nurses are considered commissioned officers and begin their Air Force careers as second lieutenants. Nurses can move up in rank like their Air Force counterparts through promotions or special programs.
Second Lieutenants with two years experience are at a 1 out of 10 on the pay grade. According to the 2024 salary pay table — made public by the Air Force — yearly base pay is $47,800.
After achieving the rank of first lieutenant, which is considered a two out of 10 on the pay grade, salaries increase considerably.
A first lieutenant Air Force nurse’s salary with two years experience is $60,250. The nurse corps also distributes bonuses for board certifications and years of service, from up to $35,000 annually.
| Rank/Pay Grade | Salary Based on 2 Years of Service | 2 Years Retention Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant/ 0-1 | $47,793.60 | $10,000 |
| First Lieutenant/ 0-2 | $60,249.60 | $10,000 |
| Captain/ 0-3 | $69,404.40 | $10,000 |
$91,737.20
Annual Salary
Source:Four-Year Second Lieutenant (0-2) plusFour-Year Retention Bonus as a flight nurse, October 2023
$5,978.10
Monthly Salary
Source:Four-Year Second Lieutenant, January, 2024
Air Force Registered Nurse Salary vs. Other Salaries
Becoming an Air Force RN is a unique opportunity for nurses to receive Air Force officer training and education. Compared with other nurse salaries, Air Force nurses can increase their salaries annually with bonuses in exchange for their time in service, and obtaining certifications in specific specialties.
Air Force nurses work in the military health system, on the ground and in the air. Career opportunities for Air Force nurses include:
- Flight nurse
- Emergency room nurses
- Neonatal Intensive Care nurses
- Mental Health nurses
- Critical Care nurses
- Labor and delivery nurses
- Operating Room nurses
According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average nurse salary is $86,070.
A second lieutenant Air Force nurse’s salary from 1-4 years of service ranges from $45,914 to $57,776, with increased pay opportunities.
| Job | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Air Force nurse (Second Lieutenant) | $45,914 – $57,776 |
| Flight nurse (non-Air Force) | $109,709 |
| Air Force Family Nurse Practitioner | $100,000 |
| Mental Health Nurse | $92,632 |
| Med-Surg nurse | $117,052 |
Ways to Increase Pay As an Air Force Nurse
Suppose you want to earn more than the entry-level Air Force nurse salary. In that case, you can pursue a specialization, graduate degree, retention bonuses, and other incentive pay.
Unlike other organizations, military pay is transparent. The following options can add to your Air Force nurse salary.
- 1
Consider Pursuing Certifications
Air Force nurses can increase their pay by earning certifications in specific specialties. Since deployment is unavoidable, helping in combat areas requires experience. Becoming certified in critical care, emergency, or trauma nursing would better prepare you to care for patients with complex conditions or injuries.
- 2
Increase Your Education Level OR Earn Your BSN/MSN
You can qualify for bonuses by earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing science (DNP). Air Force nurses advance their careers by becoming master-prepared advanced practice registered nurses (APRN).
For example, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) qualifies for a $15,000 bonus their first year, $40,000 in year four and up to $60,000 in their sixth year of service.
You may also qualify for military scholarships to help you pay for your degree.
- 3
Gain Experience in Administrative Roles
Gaining experience in administrative roles such as nurse management or director of nursing prepare nurses for hospital administrative positions in the Air Force. Master-prepared nurses will lead healthcare systems by handling the business management of health services.
According to Payscale, as of September 2024 an Air Force hospital administrator’s yearly salary is $106,421.
- 4
Change Practice Setting or Become a Travel Nurse
Nurses in critical need specialty areas can expect higher retention bonuses for their service in the Air Force. For example, suppose you work or have travel nurse experience as a medical-surgical nurse, nurse-midwife, or labor and delivery nurse. In this case, you can expect a $25,000 bonus — higher than several other nurse specialties — in year four.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Force Nurse Salaries
Registered nurses are eligible to enlist as officers, often as second lieutenants. Air Force nurses’ salaries are at the O-1 pay grade on a 1-10 pay scale or higher as their rank increases.
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