The United States Air Force has twenty two grades of enlisted airmen and officers, with most airmen enlisting at the entry-level rank of Airman Basic (AB, paygrade E-1). The highest rank achievable in the Air Force is General of the Air Force.

This table lists the active officer ranks in the United States Air Force in increasing order of senority. Choose any rank for detailed information including duties and leadership responsibilities, Air Force officer pay details, officer rank insignia, and more.

Staff Sergeant is the 5th rank in the United States Air Force, ranking above Senior Airman and directly below Technical Sergeant. A staff sergeant is a Noncommissioned Officer at DoD paygrade E-5, with a starting monthly pay of $2,872 .

Major is the 20th rank in the United States Air Force, ranking above Captain and directly below Lieutenant Colonel. A major is a Field Officer at DoD paygrade O-4, with a starting monthly pay of $5,803 .

Airman (E-2) is the second lowest enlisted rank in the US Air Force. Airman is the rank just above Airman Basic and below Airman First Class. An Airman is typically promoted from Airman Basic after six months of active duty service, or immediately after …

The highest enlisted rank a soldier can achieve in the Air Force is Command Chief Master Sergeant. This table lists the Air Force enlisted ranks in order of seniority, from lowest to highest. Choose any rank for detailed information on rank insignia, …

Brigadier General is the 23rd rank in the United States Air Force, ranking above Colonel and directly below Major General. A brigadier general is a General Officer at DoD paygrade O-7, with a starting monthly pay of $10,639 .

Colonel is the 22nd rank in the United States Air Force, ranking above Lieutenant Colonel and directly below Brigadier General. A colonel is a Field Officer at DoD paygrade O-6, with a starting monthly pay of $8,068 .

Major General is the 24th rank in the United States Air Force, ranking above Brigadier General and directly below Lieutenant General. A major general is a General Officer at DoD paygrade O-8, with a starting monthly pay of $12,804 .

Technical Sergeant is the 6th rank in the United States Air Force, ranking above Staff Sergeant and directly below Master Sergeant. A technical sergeant is a Noncommissioned Officer at DoD paygrade E-6, with a starting monthly pay of $3,136 .