Expert: Rod Powers - 10/5/2006

Question
how much a fighter pilot makes a year?

Answer
Hi Jesse,

All members of the military (whether they fly fighter aircraft, or drive tanks), receive "base pay," which is based on their rank and time-in-service.  Base pay charts can be viewed at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/fy2006paycharts/a/06basepay.htm

Now, all fighter pilots must have a college degree, and must be a commissioned officer. So, their base pay would be based on the Commissioned Officer Pay Charts at: http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/pay/bl06offbasepay.htm

Commissioned Officers also receive a monthly food allowance. The monthly allowance can be seen at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/fy2006paycharts/a/06bas.htm

Commissioned officers are also allowed to live off-base, and receive a monthly housing allowance. The amount of the allowance depends on their assignment location, and whether or not they have any dependents. Rate charts are at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/militarypaycharts/a/06bah.htm If the officer elects to live on-base, either in military family housing, or in single bachelor quarters, they don't receive this pay, but they live on-base, rent-free.

Base pay is subject to income taxes. Food allowance and housing allowance are not.

Aircrew members also recieve a monthly flight pay (which is taxable).  Amounts can be seen at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/fy2005paycharts/a/offflightpay.htm

Finally, if they are serving in a designated combat zone (such as Iraq or Afghanistan), they receive Combat Pay (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/fy2005paycharts/a/combatpay.htm), and -- if they have dependents, family separation allowance (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/fy2005paycharts/a/fsa.htm).

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my military information website at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com