Average pay in the Air Force for an E-4 | Elora Jean

We're poor, yes...but we get "free" healthcare lmaooo
**All of this information is as of January 9, 2020, for an active duty senior airman in the Air Force.**
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[@KitKatSam27]

I’m Air Force finance (6 years) so if anyone has any questions, comment below as well. A few notes! You are correct, BAS is the same regardless of rank or location. So you as a SRA make the same BAS as a SMSGT.. regardless of dependency status. On the other hand, officers make a different rate and it is less than the enlisted rate. Another important note: the only taxable income as military is the base pay. BAS and BAH are both not taxed so you get those entitlements in full each month! For deployments, you are not guaranteed tax exclusion. There are certain areas that qualify for Combat Zone Tax Exclusion and you can find them in the regs. For example, places like Afghanistan, Jordan, Qatar, etc.. they all get CZTE. Great video! You explained things really well ☺️ it made my nerdy finance heart happy 😂😂😂

[@EloraJean]

CanSam27 oh yay!! I’ll definitely pin this for everyone to see. Thank you for the info and corrections!

[@candisnicole1417]

CanSam27 thank you!!!! for commenting as for finance do you help airman set up budgets or do you know where to point us in a direction ?

[@KitKatSam27]

Candis Nicole in my experience, finance does not help airman set up budgets. Bases usually have financial advisors or counselors to do that. My supervision always stressed heavily not to give advice because we’re not educated / trained in that realm. So, for example, if a customer is asking me for advice on how much they should do for TSP (retirement contribution), I can’t recommend an amount. Hope this helps!

[@KitKatSam27]

Candis Nicole where I work, the financial counselor’s office is within the Airman and Family Readiness office. I’m not sure if all bases have them in the same place, but I would ask your customer service / personnel office where the financial counselor is.. they should be able to direct you because that is more on their side of the house.

[@candisnicole1417]

CanSam27 thank you so much 🙏🏾

[@gastilt]

I have been in 13 years and am a MSgt. I recommend to anyone ONLY do one contract be it a 4 ot 6 year, get a degree and/or certifications, and secure a private sector job before getting out. Retiring in the military is different now and the traditional pension system is not there anymore (changed 2018). You basically have a 401k that you can take with you when you finish your service. Be smart and let the military pay for your education and if you have family transfer education benefits before you get out to help them later in life. Great video BTW :).

[@madysann777]

I leave for BMT this week, thank you for all of the help you’ve given me with your videos!

[@antarnabucknor4038]

Madysann W. Good luck 🍀

[@madysann777]

Antarna Bucknor thank you!!😊

[@chanseriojas2695]

Madysann W. God speed!

[@MixMasterMaj]

Awesome! Stay focused, follow all the rules precisely, and you'll be fine! Air Force BMT is mostly about attention to detail and situational awareness. Teamwork and clear communication are important. Also, remember it's just two hard months, then your day-to-day life will be more normal. In your technical training they will progressively give you more freedom and responsibility. Good luck and make the most of it! Ryan USAF enlisted, 2003-2007

[@madysann777]

Ryan thank you very much!

[@amrynlee]

Informative, your videos have convinced me to do a 4yr contract instead of 6yr no matter what the military says lol

[@EloraJean]

SMART

[@MixMasterMaj]

smart indeed. I did a 4 year contract. No regrets. A 4 year contract is a smart move regardless of if you will end up separating OR re-enlisting.

[@mg_kj]

Why re-enlist dor another 4 years, if you can just extend (1year)?

[@bobzimmer1808]

Hi Elora, very happy you suggested a four year enlistment. This might be a partial topic for a future show. As you know when join the Air Force, they will test you to see where you might be the best suited. It might not be the school that you want. Air Force needs come first. I went to a long school for specialized communications (intercept) at Keesler AFB. They put me in for a cryptographic clearance. Half way through the school, I told my instructor that a lot of the class was review and I knew most of it. He told me to take a bypass specialist class exam and I could skip through a great deal of my class. I took the test and skipped through two months of my schooling. At the end of my schooling, my class mates were sewing on E3 stripes. I said hey that 's great. Then I was told, even being the honor student, I would not be promoted.They said I did not have enough time in grade because I skipped part of my class. That cost me a lot of money at the time. Something to think about. When I got to my new base in Germany, it took me a long time to get promoted because I was now the junior person. I have other comments but I don't want to monopolize your time. You are doing a great job, keep it up.

[@saddiesofia6689]

BAS is the same here in WA, just my husband (active) and me (civilian).

[@EloraJean]

Saddie Burkentine thanks for the info! Good to know

[@erikacuatro9938]

If you’re looking to make more money in the Air Force, go overseas. You get COLA (cost of living allowance) which can be a nice 400+ bucks a month. Stationed in Germany, I got the opportunity to live off base as a single Airmen, which not only gives me OHA (overseas housing allowance) it gives me a Utility allowance. Which granted I don’t really see a lot of that but I do pocket some of the utility. So as a single E3 less than two years, I’m taking in about a little shy of 1900 every paycheck after deductions

[@kwbaker28]

You’re right. Did 8 years alone in Germany. Cola is super nice and convenient. Almost done with my short tour in turkey for my return to Germany, Spang this time instead of RMS. Play the AMS game.

[@danfreeman9079]

As an AB in 76, it was Base pay $376 per mo.

[@shelbidickson8244]

Girl what glitter are you wearing on your eyes? 😍😍 I couldn’t stop staring at it!!

[@EloraJean]

Shelbi Tibbens It’s from Tati’s palette! The glitters from Soothe row and Poet row

[@decepticonX]

BAS stays the same where ever you go and is the same for all enlisted. Officers have a lower amount.

[@dannywalker176]

You missed the refund date on your tuition? I guess that was a lesson learned. You can put up to $19,500 in your TSP in 2020. How can you not be loving the Air Force. You are an E-4 and your combined compensation is more than most public school teachers with a master's degree. And you get 30 days leave and they guaranteed this for six years? North Dakota could be a real downer I guess. Thank you for your service and stay warm!

[@Curry_Alejo]

Your makeup is crazy good!😱 like WOW.

[@tiffaniehelm8532]

Love your videos, this was so helpful! You are always so transparent with us, it really is great. I leave April 28. Thanks for the advice and giving us your time!

[@KimJohannaM]

Im currently waiting on medical paperwork to be processed and I can’t wait 😭

[@d.7819]

Can you do video on being in the air force and earning college credits to get a degree from the air force community college.

[@eelyeoj5799]

When you go to tech school to learn your job you will be given college credits for the classes you take. Most if not all these credits can transfer to a college or university as elective credits. An example. I went to tech school to be a crew chief. I had 30 college credits transferred from the community college of the Air Force to the University of Delaware in a degree in Management. I hope this helps.

[@safkathfaruk102]

For someone like me who has a lot of student loans from college would you recommend this route?

[@leslieannlindsay7745]

I leave in 2 weeks for bmt and love your videos! Thanks for all of the info/inspiration!!

[@rachelsteelman3448]

Leslie Ann Lindsay Girl what’s your ship date?? Mine is March 10!!

[@leslieannlindsay7745]

@@rachelsteelman3448 whhhat? Mine is March 10th too!!!! where are you shipping from?

[@kahtiwalrac3504]

i’m currently studying for the ASVAB and hoping to qualify for the jobs that I want. I know it’s based on availability but i’m focused on getting into the medical field, so i’m hoping I get the job I want :) how long does it typically take to rank up?

[@haileyjones2455]

Ranking up has to do with time of service or time in grade. You can rank up faster than that if you get below the zone. Which means if your commanders think you are an outstanding airmen they can recommend for you to rank up early.

[@andrespascual4756]

Its been a while! I missed your videos and hearing your voice:( Upload more more more! Thanks for the info

[@0404DcT]

I still bank with USAA...its nice that they allow you to get paid early...no matter who you work for

[@sandrakoami9374]

What about the recruiters that tell you that the only contract available is 6 year contracts so how can we find shorter contracts??

[@MikeeLord]

Stand your ground, your recruiter is lying to you. Theres 4 years and 6 years. Also when you go to MEPS the liaison will ask if you want the 6 year or 4 years anyway.

[@shigsho]

FOUR years is available to you.

[@chloencars]

4yr contracts are ALWAYS available. Most recruiters see you as a paycheck, don’t let them fool you into what they want you doing.

[@sandrakoami9374]

Michael ok sounds good because they literally keep listing to me that there are no 4 year contract 🤥

[@sandrakoami9374]

shigsho according to my recruiter there are no more

[@roburb73]

Somehow this video showed up in my feed. Must be the AF connection. As a retired Chief (2017), the dividends pay out when you retire and collect income for the rest of your life. When I enlisted in '91, my base pay was $687 and my take home was $220 every two weeks 😁 I've always said the military is actually paid pretty well. If you doubt that, just take a look at the dorm parking lots on base and see the cars. 😁

[@7Logik]

That's called credit

[@roburb73]

@@7Logik 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@emiliekinder6464]

Do you think you could make a video or do an interview and explain deployment pay for married airmen? I'm already married and in the process of joining so I'm also curious how pay is during bmt and tech school for that! Always appreciate your videos, this was very informative 😊

[@autumnbonner5295]

I don't know if you will see this, but I am shipping off to basic soon & your videos help me so much! Any more tips for a 17 year old girl in the military? Much appreciated!!! Love you!!!❤❤❤

[@EloraJean]

Autumn Bonner you’re gonna do great! My tips are to find happiness in the little things, pick the right people to spend time with, and understand the military at the end of the day is just another job. Don’t let it change who you are ❤️ you’ll grow, for sure, but for the best.

[@autumnbonner5295]

@@EloraJean Awwww! Thank you so much!!!

[@shayleemolina9507]

how are you doing?

[@sashar794]

I want to join the Air Force! But nervous for the ASVAB haven’t been in school for sometime now. I’m 27.

[@kafuikisiedu9368]

Sasha R , you should join, don’t worry about the asvab,

[@sashar794]

@@kafuikisiedu9368 thanks!

[@youngdrizzle224]

Did u ever do it?

[@Mimi201-l4y]

New to your channel and I'm loving the content. Does active vs reserve make a difference in pay?

[@isabellagithere9229]

Can you update your contract before all your time is served? Like say if I decided that I wanted to serve six years when I had already served three in my four year term. Also I love your vids 🥰

[@lynnd1081]

If you sign for a 4 year contract, you can extend your "first term" for a additional time up to 4 years.

[@lovelyheart777]

If you don’t spend all of your sustenance money do you get to keep the excess like you do for BAH?

[@EloraJean]

Rachel Kistler yes!

[@brandon1879]

I ship March 31st, 2020! Wish me luck everyone! Oh and how does the military pay work if the 1st or 15th is on Sunday and banks are closed? Do we wait for Monday to get paid or are we paid a day earlier?

[@EloraJean]

If the pay period falls on a weekend you are paid on the prior duty day. If Sunday is the 1st or 15th, you will be paid the Friday before.

[@brandon1879]

@@EloraJean Whoa, thanks for the reply! You're gorgeous, so funny and very informative in your videos! Thanks for your videos!

[@d.7819]

Nice video. You are strong and courageous. Have a good day.

[@iamjavidrei5191]

How do become an E4? Is it because of year of service? Or college degree?

[@joegriego3091]

Jeez, I served from 1983 to 1987. I made $800.00 a month! Of course, I was single, lived in base dorms and had almost no bills so, $800 a month was BIG money for a 19 year old.

[@nayannacoleman]

Not for a month. Lol my generation like to make more than that at least 2k a month.and I’m 19 now.

[@glouez7326]

Love Love the makeup gurl!!!!!

[@jademorones8088]

PLEASE make a video explaining how to join, the amplitude test, what the physical and mental screening contains and bmt

[@nalendubose7435]

Do you plan on getting out after your contract ends or your undecided? Just curious.

[@EloraJean]

Nalen DuBose as of now I’m looking at re-enlisting

[@mikaylakimberly]

Elora Jean whattttt I thought you would be getting out ..

[@kwbaker28]

It’s a good decision to stay in right now, especially with what’s going on in current times..

[@kayeb7809]

Back in 1981 as a senior airman I made less than $500 per month.

[@mc12396]

as a broadcast journalist would you go or report to combat or dangerous areas?

[@officialjodyr14]

Love this! ❤️ also what camera do you use? 🤩

[@EloraJean]

OfficialJody R thanks! I use an old Canon t3i. Bought it like 6 years ago

[@officialjodyr14]

Elora Jean your welcome! And wow! Love how canon goes a long way thanks !!

[@LloydNance]

Military pay yes!

[@erdemmemisyazici3950]

It sounds a lot like being a state employee. It might be something you want to consider after your contract?

[@ISUNDERSTOOD]

Love your makeup

[@lindabaguios7361]

That’s 4 years ago, how much do you earn now in 2024.

[@silverlinejoseph6267]

I stay in the dorms right now and I do get BAS but a certain about is deducted and my BAH is $7.58 cus the average housing pay of the state I’m in is $7.58 more than the BAH allowance

[@EloraJean]

Oluwafunmito Joseph good to know!

[@erdemmemisyazici3950]

8:53 Middle class pay all the taxes 😂😄

[@shigsho]

Thank the democrats.

[@drewmiller910]

I just joined the Air National Guard a little while ago and picked fleet management as my job. Does anyone know anything about fleet management?

[@robertmontoya4941]

how many college credits do you need to start as e3?

[@calebf612]

70 credit hours

[@candisnicole1417]

Great video ❤️❤️ I believe I’m doing a 6 year regardless 😞if I don’t like it or not because I have a child to support so I think I can get my degree in 6 years and if I don’t like it at least I can get out my first enlistment with work experience as well as a degree I don’t think 4 years is enough time to get a 4 year degree I believe correct me if I’m wrong the first 1 or so I can’t go to school do to bmt and adjusting to military life so that leaves me with 3 years and I don’t want to use my GI bill because I want to give it to my child so either way I think for my situation 2 extra years I have to stick it out 😭

[@candisnicole1417]

Ayo Flee ayeee 😂

[@EloraJean]

I think your reasons for signing 6 make sense, but I just want to put out there you can always extend your contract or reenlist. You don't have to get out when your contract ends. This gives you time to complete schooling without having to do the initial commitment of 6 years. I think 4 years is smarter but that's just me!

[@candisnicole1417]

Elora Jean Truee how long is the reenlistment ? or is it different for each job ?

[@cracked302]

You will have to do 10 years of service in order to transfer your gi bill to your dependents.

[@sirtrib4612]

Leaving apr 13th six year contract im proud to be an Airman and to serve my country🇺🇸💪🏿

[@MrAmandasfreeman626]

Could you make a video about your job as a Photojournalist? 🙏🏻

[@mikaylabarber2693]

What is it after taxes

[@xoxo_raileenmarie]

so you psychically bring home $3,046 before rent and such?

[@raspy1135]

They give you money for rent and food

[@xSkysplitter777]

Oooo myyy you jsut get more and more beautiful! You were married?😱😱😱

[@xSkysplitter777]

@Salty Kraken lol I'm trying🤣

[@sheajohnson7037]

yes she was married! she just recently divorced.

[@basementhol]

You’re so beautiful and you have truly inspired me.

[@chernobyl1987]

If E4 makes that much, how about an O4?

[@kwbaker28]

A lot. It’s all public online.

[@cc_animals]

What is the best bank to use for the airforce?

[@jchandler447]

more than likely USAA as they are banking, specifically for the military.

[@kwbaker28]

Service credit union, been using it for 9 year overseas so far. Love it.

[@thethirdseashell]

BAS essentially equates to eating at the chow hall for an entire month. I sure wish my civilian job paid me a housing allowance. When I got out in 2012, my base pay, other monetary benefits and nonmonetary benefits, I would have been making $90k per year. I have yet to find a civilian job that pays me even half of that. I like to tell people that military is THE biggest form of socialism. Service members, I feel, are over benefitted and it does not prepare them and their dependas for life after the military. Speaking of dependas, I am looking to become one myself. I'm too old to go back in but I miss them benes.

[@Effingslackin]

Oh such a beauty 😍😍😍

[@chernobyl1987]

Rogue Leader 🤢

[@madimarie7089]

Can you live off base coming in as an E-3?

[@cracked302]

Depends on how many people are in the dorms or if you’re married.

[@maryelizabeth3055]

Interesting.

[@cassieamaya9744]

Hey are you still on Snap chat? Is like to ask you some questions before I choose my job list.

[@tremaineification]

This is incorrect. You will only get bah at a dependent rate if you’re married to a civilian. If you’re married to another military person, you’ll get the single rate in bah.

[@EloraJean]

Doorman half true, one person gets dependent and the other gets single

[@tremaineification]

Elora Jean since it’s mil to mil ( dual military bah) both gets the single rate bah. Since that’s technically your spouse and not your dependent. If you’re married to a civilian, they don’t get no bah hence why you would get the dependent rate and not the single rate to take care of your NON MILITARY Spouse. That could be correct if you guys have kids ( dependents)

[@EloraJean]

Doorman ohh you know what you’re right. My coworker is like to mil and has kids, that’s what confused me

[@thegoat2874]

Why are you so damn cute 😂

[@JM-om1ry]

Hi queen 🥰

[@malcolmxraw1342]

Cute af

[@wynn2927]

U are cute af