Lifestyle

The lifestyle and experiences we offer, make a Air Force career very rewarding. There is also an excellent salary and benefits package, together with working environments that are modern, well-equipped and comfortable.  Life in the Air Force offers great opportunities to meet people and and still allows you stay in touch with your friends and family.

Working on Base

While working on base in New Zealand, you can expect to always work in safe and healthy conditions. There are loads of facilities on base to keep you entertained in your downtime, whether that’s a fully equipped gym, a library or just a comfy place to relax and use the internet.

While working on Base you will have the opportunity to live in service accommodation within a military establishment or live-out and rent, flat or buy. It is however, recommended that you live-in in the early stages of your career.

Overseas Deployment

When you’re overseas, or away on a mission, conditions can be different. However, this does not mean you’ll be lacking any of the essentials. But if you’re suddenly deployed overseas to assist in humanitarian relief following a natural disaster, then of course it’s not going to be as well equipped as your home base. Even if you are overseas you will still have opportunities to stay fit and relax when you are off-duty.

Pay

Careers in the Air Force are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you’ll see your salary rise accordingly.

On top of your basic salary you can expect something called Military Factor. This provides you with extra financial rewards because of the commitment you’ve made to serve your country – a commitment that asks you to play your part in situations and environments that are unique to military life, such as combat and overseas operations.

When comparing your salary to a civilian career, it is worth remembering that there are many additional benefits in the Air Force that will make your money go further:

• Accommodation component which gives you the flexibility to rent or buy.

• Free healthcare including dental

• Subsidised hire equipment from base Welfare

• Subsidised food when eating in the base mess

• Superannuation, which is a savings scheme made up of contributions by both you and the Air Force.

• University and graduate schemes

Below is an overview of your minimum pay package according to rank.  However this is only a guide, as many trades carry additional rewards depending on where you are and what you’re doing.

Airmen

Officers

*Figures based on Sector A, Tier 1, Step 3, TFR Table Effective 01 April 2012.