Intro
Discover how Army helicopter pilots earn a lucrative income with 5 Ways Army Helicopter Pilots Get Paid. From basic pay to special allowances, bonuses, and flight pay, learn how these brave professionals can increase their earnings through hazardous duty pay, aviation career incentive pay, and more.
Being an Army helicopter pilot is a challenging and rewarding career that requires a great deal of skill, training, and dedication. One of the benefits of this career path is the opportunity to earn a competitive salary and benefits package. In this article, we'll explore the different ways that Army helicopter pilots can get paid.
Basic Pay
The first way that Army helicopter pilots get paid is through basic pay. This is the standard salary that is paid to all military personnel, and it is based on their rank and time in service. Army helicopter pilots typically start out as warrant officers, which is a technical rank that requires specialized skills and training. As they gain experience and move up in rank, their basic pay will increase.
For example, a warrant officer 1 (W-1) with less than two years of service can expect to earn around $3,287 per month in basic pay. A chief warrant officer 3 (W-3) with over 10 years of service can earn up to $6,237 per month.
Rank and Time in Service
| Rank | Time in Service | Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|
| W-1 | Less than 2 years | $3,287 |
| W-1 | 2-3 years | $3,541 |
| W-2 | 4-6 years | $4,141 |
| W-3 | 7-10 years | $5,239 |
| W-3 | Over 10 years | $6,237 |
Flight Pay
In addition to basic pay, Army helicopter pilots also receive flight pay. This is a special allowance that is paid to military personnel who fly aircraft, and it is based on the number of hours they fly per month. The amount of flight pay that an Army helicopter pilot receives will depend on their rank and the type of aircraft they fly.
For example, a warrant officer 1 (W-1) who flies a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter can earn up to $150 per month in flight pay. A chief warrant officer 3 (W-3) who flies a AH-64 Apache helicopter can earn up to $500 per month.
Flight Pay Rates
| Rank | Aircraft | Flight Pay |
|---|---|---|
| W-1 | UH-60 Black Hawk | $150 |
| W-2 | UH-60 Black Hawk | $250 |
| W-3 | AH-64 Apache | $500 |
| W-4 | CH-47 Chinook | $650 |
Allowances
Army helicopter pilots also receive allowances to help them cover the costs of living and working. These allowances can include things like basic allowance for housing (BAH), basic allowance for subsistence (BAS), and cost of living allowance (COLA).
For example, a warrant officer 1 (W-1) who is stationed in a high-cost area like San Francisco can receive up to $2,000 per month in BAH. A chief warrant officer 3 (W-3) who is stationed in a moderate-cost area like Denver can receive up to $1,500 per month.
Allowances Rates
| Allowance | Rate |
|---|---|
| BAH | $1,000-$3,000 per month |
| BAS | $369 per month |
| COLA | $100-$500 per month |
Bonuses
Army helicopter pilots may also be eligible for bonuses, which are special payments that are made to military personnel who meet certain criteria. These bonuses can include things like enlistment bonuses, reenlistment bonuses, and special duty pay.
For example, a warrant officer 1 (W-1) who enlists in the Army for a six-year term can receive a $20,000 enlistment bonus. A chief warrant officer 3 (W-3) who reenlists for another six-year term can receive a $30,000 reenlistment bonus.
Bonuses Rates
| Bonus | Rate |
|---|---|
| Enlistment bonus | $10,000-$30,000 |
| Reenlistment bonus | $20,000-$50,000 |
| Special duty pay | $500-$1,000 per month |
Retirement Benefits
Finally, Army helicopter pilots are eligible for retirement benefits after 20 years of service. These benefits can include a pension, healthcare, and other perks.
For example, a chief warrant officer 3 (W-3) who retires after 20 years of service can receive a pension of up to 50% of their final basic pay. They may also be eligible for healthcare benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Retirement Benefits Rates
| Benefit | Rate |
|---|---|
| Pension | 20%-50% of final basic pay |
| Healthcare | 100% coverage through the Department of Veterans Affairs |
Army Helicopter Pilot Payment Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the different ways that Army helicopter pilots can get paid. From basic pay to retirement benefits, these pilots are well-compensated for their service. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below!