Like the other services, the Air Force offers monetary bonuses for non-prior service applicants who enlist in designated shortage AFSCs (jobs).
The below chart shows the current enlistment bonuses authorized by the United States Air Force. The list is for active duty enlistments, shipping out on or after October 1, 2007.
Enlistment bonuses are subject to change without notice, based on the current needs of the Air Force. For the latest information contact your local Air Force Recruiter.
The Air Force usually pays enlistment bonuses in a single lump-sum, after completion of technical training and arrival at the first duty station (usually within 90 days of arrival). Enlistment bonuses are subject to federal and state taxes.
Eligibility: Candidates must Be Air Force Qualification Test (AFQT) category I, II, or III. (note: AFQT score 31 or higher on ASVAB) Enlist and serve in an Initial Enlistment Bonus (IEB) Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC).
Air Force Enlistment Bonuses
| AFSC | TITLE | 6 Year Enlistment | 4 Year Enlistment |
| 1A8X1 | Airbourne Linguist | $12,000 | $3,000 |
| 1N3XX | Crypto Ling | $12,000 | $3,000 |
| 1C2X1 | CCT | $13,000 | $3,000 |
| 1T2X1 | PJ | $13,000 | $3,000 |
| 1C4X1 | TACP | $10,000 | $2,000 |
| 1T0X1 | SERE | $13,000 | $3,000 |
| 3E8X1 | EOD | $13,000 | $3,000 |
| 2F0X1 | Fuels | $2,000 | - |
| 2W0X1 | Munitions | $2,000 | - |
| 2W1X1 | Armament Systems | $2,000 | - |
| 3E4X1 | Utilities | $2,000 | - |
| 3P0X1 | Security Forces | $1,500 | - |
