If you’ve been considering joining the Air Force but aren’t sure which jobs are best for you, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve provided the 25 highest and best jobs in the air force for enlisting in 2023.

Many Americans know that the Air Force is one of the best branches of the military to launch a new career. But the opportunities are many and can be a bit confusing to choose.

So, we’re going to explain the best jobs in the Air Force age, the best jobs in the air force for civilian life, and all you need to know about the US Air Force.

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US Air Force Job: All You Need to Know

The United States Air Force (USAF) is a major component of the United States armed forces. Its primary responsibility is air warfare, air defense, and military space research development.

What is Airforce Job?

An Air Force job is a job in the United States Air Force. There are many different jobs in the Air Force such as pilots, cooks, and mechanics.

Can I Pick My Job In The Air Force?

Yes, you can choose your job in the Air Force. A list of careers and their descriptions can be found here.

What Are The Requirement For The Airforce?

The following are the requirements to join the U.S. Air Force. With them, you can get the best jobs in air force age.

• Must be a United States citizen or legal, permanent resident
• At least 17 years old, the age limit is up to 39 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent or GED, or GED with at least 15 college credits
• The Air Force also requires a 3.87 GPA and above
• You must have zero felony convictions
• Meet the minimum physical fitness standards
• Favorable drug test
• Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
• Security Clearance
• Must meet eligibility requirements for enlistment in the military

You might also be interested in these 25 Best Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour With and Without a Degree

What Disqualifies You From Joining The Air force?

You may be disqualified from joining the Air Force for a number of reasons. Such reasons may include a felony conviction or bad conduct discharge from the military.

In addition, you may be disqualified for certain medical conditions and unhealed physical or emotional conditions.

Also, you may be disqualified by previous drug use or addiction and criminal record.

Are Air Force Jobs a Good Career Path?

The U.S. Air Force is one of the most prestigious places of work. Aside from handling matters of national security, the Armed Force offers many other job opportunities for US Citizens.

However, before you choose any career path please ask yourself: “What are my expectations for the job, and what does the job expect from me?”. Check the two and see if they can align at any point.

Whatever you decide, the US Air Force teaches you to fly but much more, you’ll learn good discipline and leadership skills.

Related 25 Best Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour Without a Degree

Best Jobs In Air Force

The following are the best jobs in the air force age in 2023.

1. Air Force Pilot

The first of the best jobs in the air force on our list is Air Force Pilots. If you have a lifelong dream and interest in aviation, then consider becoming a US Air Force pilot. You’ll have opportunities to serve both domestically and internationally.

How much money does a US Air Force Pilot make? As a US Air Force pilot you’ll be paid a salary, housing allowance, food allowance, and bonus. The average salary of a US Air Force pilot is somewhere around $145,003 per year.

You can also read; 25 Jobs that Pay Over 300k a Year That’ll Amaze You

2. Public Affairs Officer

Your responsibility as a public affairs officer is to make sure the people are well informed about what goes on in their military. You might as well see it as a public relation role.

This might seem like a civil role but, you have to arm yourself with exceptional people skills. This is because you will be dealing with the press on a daily basis.

How much money does a US Air Force Public Affairs Officer make? A US Air Force public affairs officer makes an average of about $59,668 per year.

3. Military Intelligence Officer

This is another best job in the air force age. If you want to save the world, then this might be your call.

As a  Military Intelligence Officer, you will be at the heart of military operations. And produce intelligence that helps America and coalition partners defeat the enemy.

How much does a Military Intelligence Officer make in the Air Force? A Military Intelligence Officer makes about $87,172 per year on average in the United States.

4. Air Force Physician

Air Force Physician is one of the best jobs in the air force 2023. If you’ve got medical skills, then this could be the best place to put them to work.

How much do Air Force Physicians make in the US Air Force? A US Air Force Physician makes an average of about $159,139 per year.

5. Flight Engineer

A flight engineer is one of the highest and best jobs in the air force for enlisting. A US Air Force flight engineer is an airman who inspects, procures, and performs all necessary maintenance on assigned aircraft.

How much does a US Air Force engineer make? A US Air Force engineer makes an average of $66,854 per year.

6. Security Forces Officer

Another best job in the air force age is security force officer. If you’ve ever dreamed of providing protection for high-ranking officials and dignitaries when they travel in Air Force aircraft, then this is the place to be.

You’ll provide protection for the Vice President, President, Secretary of State, Defense, and Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs.

But that’s not all! Security forces are also responsible for providing protection for high-priority or high-value USAF assets, such as Air Force One. They also manage entry into and ensure the security of USAF installations.

Another exciting part of this role is that it offers unique opportunities for advancement, exclusive training, and leadership.

How much does a US Air Force security forces officer make? The average salary for a US Air Force Security Forces Officer is $78,081.

7. Air Traffic Control

A career as an Air Traffic Controller is one of the best jobs in the air force age. You will be required to provide critical air traffic control. And keep pilots informed about weather, terrain, flight plans, and other aircraft.

If you want to be an Air Traffic Controller for the US Air Force, it’s important that you have an Associate Degree with math completion.

How much does air traffic control make in the US Air Force? A U.S. Air Force Air Traffic Controller makes an average yearly pay of $84,688.

8. Tactical Aircraft Maintenance

Tactical Aircraft Maintenance is a dream job for anyone who enjoys working with different types of aircraft.

If you decide this is for you, then get ready to put your abilities to good use in the maintenance of military planes, helicopters, and other vehicles.

How much does a US Tactical Air Craft Maintenance make? The average salary for Tactical Aircraft Maintenance is about $48,740 per year.

9. Aircraft Loadmaster

This is another best job in the air force 2023. As a loadmaster, you’ll use cutting-edge technology to load and unload aircraft. And ensure the safety of thousands of passengers, crew members, and cargo.

How much does a US Airforce Aircraft Loadmaster make? The US Aircraft Loadmaster makes an average salary of $52,718 per year in the United States.

10. Cyber Systems Operations Specialist

This is one of the highest and best jobs in the air force for enlisting. It will be perfect for you if you have a knack for identifying vulnerabilities. And love coding new software or writing code that tackles safety issues.

How much does a US Air Force Cyber Systems Operations Specialist make? The average salary for US Air Force Cyber Systems Operator is $51,763 per year.

Best Jobs In Air Force For Civilian Life

The following are the best jobs in the air force for civilian life. These Air Force jobs are in demand in 2023. Also, they can turn into very lucrative careers when you leave the Air Force.

11. Legal Operations

This includes Force Paralegals and Judge Advocates. Air Force Paralegals are not lawyers but the military equivalent of civilian paralegals, in the sense that they perform the same responsibilities. The following is a list of duties you might carry out.

• Case research and discovery
• Preparing case files
• Administrative tasks
• Drafting correspondence
• Calling clients and other lawyers
• Analyze court documents

How Much Are Air Force Paralegals Paid? The entry-level pay for Air Force legal operations starts at $1,680.90 per month for an E-1 and rises to $1,981.20 per month for an E-3.

Related 20 Best Part-Time Jobs that pay $15 an hour | 2023

12. Logistics Planners

This is one of the best jobs in force for civilian life. Air Force logistics ensure people and cargo get where they need to be when they need to be there and sometimes earlier.

How much does an Air Force Logistics planner make? The average US Air Force Logistics Planner salary in 2023 is $61,110 per year.

13. Safety

Air Force safety personnel ensure that all actions are evaluated using risk management protocols.

Clearly, this is one of the best jobs in the air force for civilian life because you can apply this knowledge in a variety of fields in civilian life.

Such fields include construction, flight line operations, maintenance (plumbing or electrical), and even event planning.

How much does an Air Force Safety personnel make? The average US Air Force Safety Manager salary is $81,071 per year.

14. Law Enforcement

Military law enforcement officers work to ensure the safety of all personnel. You may be tasked with securing the base and its personnel or investigating crimes within the Air Force.

Civilian law enforcement agencies value military law enforcement officers’ experience, physical fitness, and discipline.

In fact, it’s regarded as one of the best jobs in the Air Force for civilian life because you’re almost guaranteed a job when you leave service.

How much do US Air Force law enforcement officers make? The average yearly salary of a U.S. Air Force Police Officer is approximately $52,081.

15. Medical

The Air Force employs everyone from dental technicians to surgeons to keep their personnel in peak condition. Medical support is one field that cannot go away

We believe this is one of the best jobs in the air force for civilian life because many medical fields in the Air Force translate directly to lucrative civilian fields.

How much does the medical worker make in the US Air Force? The average yearly pay of a U.S. Air Force Medical Officer in the United States is approximately $104,922.

16. Cyber Warfare

Cyberwarfare is one of the best jobs in the air force for enlisting. This is for young minds who love to protect US information and servers from intruders.

So, you’ll serve as an ethical hacker, assisting decision-makers in hardening security measures on servers containing sensitive information. This is also one of the highest and best jobs in the air force for enlisting.

How much does a US Air Force Cyber Warfare Officer make? A US Cyber Warfare Officer makes an average salary of $112,387 per year.

17. Military Intelligence

This is one of the highest and best jobs in the air force age if you are good at keeping secrets. The military intelligence you’ll gather makes you marketable for a civilian career. 

Furthermore, military intelligence operators brief higher-level officials on emerging issues. This allows the appropriate officials to make the most informed decisions that can affect national security.

How much does a military intelligence officer make in US Air Force? The average salary of the US Air Force Intelligence Officer is $97,600 per year.

18. Airfield Operations

Air Airfield Operations are well-trained individuals who run aircraft. They help to decrease fatalities and financial losses due to accidents.

In the Air Force, you’ll be able to support all types of military and civilian aircraft ranging from unmanned aircraft, helicopters, fighter jets, cargo planes, and even civilian aircraft.

On the other hand, there are lots of busy airports that need good operators to ensure there are no incidents in civilian life. This is what makes Airfield operations one of the best jobs in the air force for civilian life.

19. Command Post/Control Center

Command Post personnel are among the best jobs in the air force for civilian life. They ensure when something happens, the right people are contacted to best deal with the situation.

In other words, they work just like emergency dispatch centers in the civilian world. So, in civilian life, you can work with local 911 operators, the American Red Cross, the Department of Homeland Security, and even private organizations with high operational natures.

How much does a command post/control center officer make in the US Air Force? The average salary of a US Air Force Command Post Controller is $55,502 per year.

20. Material Management

Material management is one of the best jobs in the air force for non-citizens in 2023. The Material Management Flight is in charge of stocking, storing, and supplies.

This includes issuing, managing, inventorying, shipping, and inspecting Department of Defense supplies, equipment, munitions, and fuels.

How much does a material management officer make in the US Air Force in 2023? A material management officer makes an average salary of $43,630 per year.

21. Vehicle Operations

This is one of the best jobs in the Air force for non-citizens. If you work in Vehicle Operations, you’ll operate, clean, and service motor vehicles.

In addition, you will conduct pre-mission vehicle inspections and document results, and perform operator maintenance.

How much does a Vehicle Operations officer make in the US Air Force in 2023? The average salary for a Vehicle Operator is $46,850 per year in the United States in 2023.

22. Electrical Systems

Electrical systems officers install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and modify electrical distribution systems.

Check this out:  15 Best Paying Jobs in Energy | 2023

How much do electrical system officers make in US Air Force? The average yearly salary for a U.S. Air Force Electrician in the United States is approximately $57,919

23. Electrical Power Production

This is one of the best jobs in the air force for non-citizens. The duties of Electrical Power Production are to install, remove, and operate the equipment.

Also, you’ll maintain and repair electrical power generating and control systems, aircraft arresting systems, and associated equipment. It is one of the best jobs in the air force for non-citizens.

How much does electrical power production make in 2023? The electrical power production in the US Air Force makes an average base pay of $62,494 per year.

24. Water and Fuel System Maintenance

This is also one of the best jobs in the air force for non-citizens. The job of the Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance specialists is to manage the plumbing, wastewater collection systems, liquid fuel storage, and natural gas distribution systems on every base.

How much does the water and fuel system maintenance make in the US Air Force? A base pay of $2,810 – $3,316 per month.

25. Engineering

This is one of the highest and best jobs in the air force for enlisting. Engineering is responsible for planning and managing construction projects.

Also, engineering specialists ensure that every base has the facilities and structures they need to maintain successful operations.

How much does an engineering officer make at the US Air Force? The average US Air Force Engineer salary is $94,001 per year

Best Jobs In Air Force Age

You can have the best jobs in the air force age if you prepare for it. That is to say, if you want to be an airman, ensure that you meet the requirements.

The following are the best jobs in air force age:

Officer

You cannot be younger than 17 (18 for GED holders) or older than 39 years of age. Similarly, if you want to join as an officer, you cannot be younger than 18 or older than 39 years of age.

Healthcare/Ministry Professional

If you want to join as healthcare or ministry professional, you cannot be younger than 18 or older than 48 years of age.

Best Jobs In Air Force For Non-Citizens

If you want to get the best jobs in the air force for non-citizens, you will need:

• An INS Form I-551 (Green Card) indicating permanent resident status with an expiration date two years from the date it was issued,
• Or a green card with an INS Form G-845 (Document Verification Request) with no restrictions,
• Or an INS Form G-845 with no restrictions
• Proof that a permanent card was ordered 
• Proof of permanent aliens status such as a stamped passport
• INS Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) or an old INS Form I-551 with a temporary stamp.

Highest And Best Jobs In Air Force For Enlisting

If you want to get the highest and best jobs in the air force for enlisting, look out for jobs in:

• 1. Enlisted Personnel
• 2. Officer

Conclusion

And there you have it, the 25 highest and best jobs in the Air Force for 2023 enlisting. They include the best jobs in the air force for civilian life that will make you marketable once you leave the service.

The Air Force can give you the opportunity to learn how to do a job and be marketable in civilian life. In addition, it provides an educational opportunity to obtain college-level education in your chosen field.

Frequently Asked Questions on best jobs in the air force

What jobs are in high demand in the Air Force?

Many Air Force jobs are in high demand. One of the top Air Force jobs in demand is a pilot.

What is the highest-paying Air Force job?

Air Force physicians are among the highest-paying Air Force jobs. This aircraft’s doctors can earn up to $158,997 per year.

What are the coolest jobs in the Air Force?

It depends. For most people, the coolest jobs in the Air Force are those that allow them to fly. Therefore, you can say that Pilots and air traffic controllers are the most sought-after positions, but there are also a number of other cool jobs.

What is the most common job in the Air Force?

The most common job in the Air Force is to be a pilot. The other common job in the Air Force is security forces airman.

Is the Air Force hard to get into?

It is not difficult to join the Air Force. However, there are a number of factors that make joining the Air Force more seem difficult. For a start, the US military is picky about who it recruits. Secondly,  you must pass the Air Force aptitude test. In addition, you need to be between the ages of 17 and 39, have a high school diploma, and be physically fit. Also, you must be a legal, permanent resident of the United States.

What GPA do you need for Air Force?

The Air Force Academy considers only applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.87 GPA or higher.

What jobs are in high demand in the Air Force?

Many Air Force jobs are in high demand. One of the top Air Force jobs in demand is a pilot.

What is the highest paying Air Force job?

Air Force physicians are among the highest-paying Air Force jobs. This aircraft’s doctors can earn up to $158,997 per year.

What are the coolest jobs in the Air Force?

It depends. For most people, the coolest jobs in the Air Force are those that allow them to fly. Therefore, you can say that Pilots and air traffic controllers are the most sought-after positions, but there are also a number of other cool jobs.

What is the most common job in the Air Force?

The most common job in the Air Force is to be a pilot. The other common job in the Air Force is security forces airman.

Is the Air Force hard to get into?

It is not difficult to join the Air Force. However, there are a number of factors that make joining the Air Force more seem difficult. For a start, the US military is picky about who it recruits. Secondly,  you must pass the Air Force aptitude test. In addition, you need to be between the ages of 17 and 39, have a high school diploma, and be physically fit. Also, you must be a legal, permanent resident of the United States.

What GPA do you need for Air Force?

The Air Force Academy considers only applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.87 GPA or higher.

References

• www.airforce.com – Meet Requirments
• www.bls.gov – Occupational Outlook Handbook: Military Career

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