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United States Air Force - E-3 Airman First Class

E-3 Airman First Class

Yearly Base Pay

$28,530 - $32,162

Monthly Base Pay

$2,377.50 - $2,680.20

Hourly Base Pay *

$14.86 - $16.75

Air Force Airman First Class - Rank Details


Airman First Class (A1C)

Classification Enlisted Airman
Abbreviation A1C
NATO Code OR-3
Service United States Air Force
Address Airman (last name)
What are an Airman First Class' Responsibilities?

An airman first class in the U.S. Air Force is the third lowest enlisted rank and directly above airman. It is equivalent to the rank of private first class in the Army, lance corporal in the Marines, and seaman in the Navy/Coast Guard. Airman first class can be an entry-level rank for newly or recently enlisted members of the Air Force but also suggests greater experience and leadership abilities.

Airmen first class are expected to be fully adjusted and knowledgeable of the Air Force lifestyle and standards. They will be expected to help younger airmen adjust to the military life. Also, airmen first class will be expected to effectually carry out duties and polishing their duty specialty skills. Airmen first class should also expect to begin planning their career objectives and further educational training. This includes a plan to obtain a bachelor's degree.

What is an Airman First Class' Paygrade?

An Airman First Class is considered an Enlisted Airman, with a paygrade of E-3. The civilian equivalent of this military rank is roughly GS-3 under the federal government's General Schedule payscale.

On this page you can learn more about an Airman First Class' payscale, the process of becoming a Airman First Class, and the history of the rank in the United States Air Force.

Seal of the Air Force Air Force Airman First Class Pay Calculator

Starting pay for an Airman First Class is $2,377.50 per month, with raises for experience resulting in a maximum base pay of $2,680.20 per month. You can use the simple calculator below to see basic and drill pay for an Airman First Class, or visit our Air Force pay calculator for a more detailed salary estimate.


Basic Pay:

Drill Pay:

n/a Learn more
For an E-3 Airman First Class with
years of experience.

Use the slider below to calculate the basic pay and drill pay for an E-3 Airman First Class at varying years in his or her military career.

2 or less years

Over 40 years


Equivalent Ranks to an Air Force Airman First Class

An Airman First Class is an Enlisted Airman, with a military paygrade of E-3. The civilian equivalent of this military rank is roughly GS-3 under the federal government's General Schedule payscale.

The table below lists the equivalent ranks of an Air Force Airman First Class, and their insignia, in the other four branches of the United States' Armed Services.


** This Document Provided By www.FederalPay.org - The Civil Employee's Resource **
Source: www.federalpay.org/military/air-force/airman-first-class