Air National Guard Pay Calculator 2026 - ANG Salary & Drill Pay Estimator

Calculate your complete Air National Guard compensation with this free 2026 pay calculator designed specifically for ANG Airmen. Accurately estimate weekend drill pay (UTA/MUTA), annual training pay, aviation flight pay, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), enlistment and reenlistment bonuses, and total yearly earnings based on official Defense Finance and Accounting Service pay tables and the 2026 military pay raise approved by Congress.

Understanding Air National Guard Pay Structure

Air National Guard pay follows the same federal military compensation system as all Reserve Component forces, administered by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service using standardized pay tables that account for rank (pay grade), years of creditable service, and duty status. ANG Airmen serve part-time through Unit Training Assemblies (UTAs, commonly called drill weekends) and full-time Annual Training periods, earning pay proportional to active duty compensation based on the number of training periods completed.

For 2025, Congress approved a 4.5% across-the-board military pay raise effective January 1, plus an additional 10% targeted increase for junior enlisted members (E-1 through E-4) implemented April 1, 2025. These combined increases resulted in approximately 14.5% year-over-year pay growth for entry-level Airmen, addressing recruitment and retention challenges in critical early-career years while providing standard increases for mid-grade and senior personnel.

2025 Air National Guard Pay Rates

Air National Guard drill pay calculations use the same methodology as all Reserve Component services, with one drill period (Multiple Unit Training Assembly or MUTA) representing approximately four hours of training and equaling 1/120th of the monthly basic pay for your rank and years of service. Standard UTA weekends consist of 4 MUTAs (Saturday and Sunday with 2 MUTAs each day), equating to one day of active duty pay.

For example, a Senior Airman (E-4) with over 2 years of service has a monthly basic pay of approximately $2,853 in 2025 after the junior enlisted pay raise. The drill pay calculations are:

Sample 2025 ANG drill pay rates for common ranks with 4-MUTA UTA weekends:

Air National Guard Training Requirements

Air National Guard members fulfill federal training obligations through two primary categories of duty: Unit Training Assemblies and Annual Training, as outlined in Air National Guard Instruction 36-2001. These requirements ensure ANG units maintain readiness while allowing Airmen to serve part-time alongside civilian careers or education.

Unit Training Assemblies (UTAs)

UTAs represent the standard "one weekend per month" training commitment most commonly associated with National Guard service. Air National Guard members typically perform 48 Unit Training Assemblies annually, organized as 12 drill weekends with 4 MUTAs per weekend. Each MUTA equals approximately 4 hours of training, so a standard 4-MUTA weekend totals 16 hours of duty.

UTA schedules vary by unit mission and operational requirements. While most units conduct monthly weekend drills, some squadrons perform alternate schedules such as two-day midweek drills, extended 6-MUTA or 8-MUTA weekends, or split training assemblies. Regardless of schedule variations, the annual 48 UTA requirement remains standard across the Air National Guard.

Annual Training (AT)

Annual Training represents continuous active duty periods, typically 15 days per fiscal year as mandated by federal law and Air National Guard regulations. ANGI 36-2001 specifies that all members except non-prior service personnel must complete at least 15 days of Full-Time National Guard Duty-Annual Training (FTNGD-AT) during the fiscal year unless fulfilled by other active service or excused for documented reasons.

During AT periods, Airmen receive full active duty pay calculated daily rather than MUTA-based drill pay, and become eligible for additional allowances including Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) based on orders duration and duty location.

Additional Training Periods

Beyond the standard 48 UTAs and 15 days AT, Air National Guard Airmen may perform Additional Training Periods (ATPs), Additional Flying and Flight Training Periods (AFTPs) for aircrew members, Readiness Management Periods (RMPs), military schools, and specialized training courses. ANGI 36-2001 limits additional training periods to 36 per fiscal year per member, though exceptions exist for specific mission requirements.

These additional duty days provide opportunities to increase annual earnings while building skills, maintaining currency requirements, or supporting unit operations beyond standard training obligations.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for ANG Members

Air National Guard members' BAH eligibility depends on duty status and orders type. Unlike active duty service members who receive BAH monthly if not provided government housing, ANG members typically receive BAH only when performing active duty under orders, with specific rates and eligibility determined by orders duration and duty location.

BAH RC/Transit (Non-Locality BAH)

For short-term active duty periods including most Annual Training orders under 30 days, ANG members receive BAH Reserve Component/Transit (also called BAH Type II or Non-Locality BAH). These standardized national rates do not vary by geographic location like standard locality-based BAH, providing uniform compensation regardless of duty station.

For 2025, BAH RC/Transit rates increased 5.4% reflecting national housing cost trends. Sample monthly rates include:

Full-Time ANG Positions

Air National Guard members in Active Guard Reserve (AGR) positions or dual-status technician roles serving full-time receive standard locality-based BAH rates corresponding to their duty station zip code, identical to active duty Air Force compensation. These members also receive monthly BAS and full active duty benefits as full-time federal employees.

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)

Basic Allowance for Subsistence offsets meal costs for military members when government dining facilities are unavailable or not used. For 2025, monthly BAS rates are:

• Officers: $316.98 per month
• Enlisted: $460.25 per month

Drilling ANG members typically receive BAS only when performing duty under active duty orders that authorize BAS, including Annual Training, Active Duty for Training (ADT), Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS), or deployment orders. Standard UTA weekends generally do not include BAS entitlement unless government dining facilities are unavailable at the drill location and orders specifically authorize BAS.

Aviation Career Incentive Pay (AvIP)

Aviation Career Incentive Pay provides additional monthly compensation to rated Air National Guard officers (pilots, combat systems officers, air battle managers, remotely piloted aircraft pilots) and career enlisted aviators to incentivize retention in aviation specialties requiring expensive training and critical operational skills. AvIP rates for 2025 range from $125 to $1,000 monthly depending on aviation category, years of aviation service, and monthly flight hours completed.

Officer AvIP rates typically progress through tiers:

• Entry Level (0-6 years aviation service): $125-$250 monthly
• Mid-Career (6-14 years): $350-$650 monthly
• Senior (14-25 years): $650-$840 monthly
• Maximum (25+ years): Up to $1,000 monthly

Career Enlisted Flyer Incentive Pay (CEFIP) provides similar aviation incentive compensation for enlisted aircrew members including flight engineers, loadmasters, aerial gunners, and special mission aviators, with monthly rates based on years of aviation service and crew member category.

To maintain AvIP eligibility, aviators must complete minimum monthly flight hour requirements (typically 4 flight hours for Reserve Component members) and maintain currency in their primary aircraft and crew position.

Special Duty Assignment Pay

Air National Guard members in certain high-skill or hazardous duty positions qualify for additional monthly special duty pay, including:

Parachute Duty Pay: Qualified pararescuemen, combat controllers, and other parachutist-qualified Airmen performing regular parachute duties receive $150 monthly for static-line operations or $225 monthly for military freefall/HALO operations.

Special Warfare Skill Incentive Pay (SWSIP): Air Force Special Warfare Airmen including Pararescue (PJ), Combat Control (CCT), Special Reconnaissance (SR), and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) members may receive up to $615 monthly based on skill level and operational assignments.

Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay: Various hazardous duty categories receive $150-$250 monthly including demolition duty, toxic fuels/propellants handling, experimental stress duty, and other Department of Defense-designated hazardous assignments.

Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP): Airmen with certified proficiency in critical foreign languages may receive $100-$1,000 monthly based on language, proficiency level, and Defense Language Proficiency Test scores.

Air National Guard Bonuses and Incentives

The Air National Guard offers substantial enlistment and reenlistment bonuses to attract and retain Airmen in critical Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs) experiencing manning shortfalls or requiring specialized skills. Bonus amounts, eligibility, and payment structures change annually based on force structure needs.

Enlistment and Affiliation Bonuses

Non-prior service individuals enlisting in the Air National Guard may qualify for enlistment bonuses up to $50,000 for critical career fields with high training costs or persistent understaffing. Prior service members affiliating with the ANG from active duty or other Reserve components may receive affiliation bonuses up to $60,000 depending on AFSC, rank, and years of remaining service obligation.

The Air National Guard pays bonuses in equal annual installments over a multi-year payment cycle, typically 5 years. For example, a $50,000 enlistment bonus disburses as $10,000 annually for 5 consecutive years beginning approximately two months after completing initial technical training. This payment structure encourages long-term retention while spreading budget impact across multiple fiscal years.

Selective Retention Bonus (SRB)

Current Air National Guard members reenlisting in highly critical or critical AFSCs may qualify for Selective Retention Bonuses up to $90,000 for highly critical specialties or $60,000 for standard critical fields. FY 2025 ANG Incentive Program guidance designates specific AFSCs as eligible for SRB based on current manning levels and projected future needs.

Highly critical career fields often include:

• Special Warfare AFSCs (Pararescue, Combat Control, TACP)
• Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance specialties
• Aircraft maintenance on critical airframes
• Cyber operations and communications
• Critical medical specialties

Retention bonus eligibility, amounts, and qualifying AFSCs change semi-annually as the Air National Guard adjusts incentives to match evolving force requirements. Members should consult current ANG Incentive Program guidance and their unit retention manager for up-to-date bonus information.

Calculating Total ANG Annual Compensation

Comprehensive Air National Guard annual compensation includes basic pay from all duty categories, housing and subsistence allowances when authorized, special and incentive pays for qualified positions, and applicable bonuses amortized annually. The complete calculation provides accurate financial planning information and enables comparisons between military service and civilian opportunities.

For example, calculating annual compensation for a Technical Sergeant (E-6) with 8 years of service performing standard training:

• Monthly Basic Pay: $4,398 (E-6 over 8 years, 2025)
• Daily Pay Rate: $4,398 ÷ 30 = $146.60
• 4-MUTA UTA Pay: $146.60
• Annual UTA Pay: $146.60 × 12 weekends = $1,759.20
• Annual Training: $146.60 × 15 days = $2,199.00
• Total Basic Pay: $1,759.20 + $2,199.00 = $3,958.20

Adding allowances if eligible for BAH RC/Transit ($1,188.00/month with dependents) during AT and BAS ($460.25/month enlisted) for 15 days:

• BAH for AT: $1,188.00 × 0.5 months = $594.00
• BAS for AT: $460.25 × 0.5 months = $230.13
• Total Compensation: $3,958.20 + $594.00 + $230.13 = $4,782.33

If this Technical Sergeant is an enlisted aircrew member receiving CEFIP at $250/month for qualifying flight duties performed during 15 days of orders:

• Flight Pay for AT: $250 × 0.5 months = $125.00
• Updated Total: $4,782.33 + $125.00 = $4,907.33

Full-Time Air National Guard Opportunities

Beyond traditional part-time drilling positions, the Air National Guard offers full-time career opportunities that provide active duty pay and benefits while serving in state-based ANG units.

Active Guard Reserve (AGR)

AGR positions place ANG members on continuous active duty orders to provide full-time unit support, training management, readiness oversight, and administrative functions. AGR Airmen receive full active duty pay and allowances including monthly BAH (locality-based), BAS, and comprehensive benefits identical to active duty Air Force personnel. AGR tours typically span 2-6 years with competitive selection processes.

Dual-Status Technicians

Dual-status technicians serve as federal civil service employees (typically GS or WG positions) Monday through Friday while maintaining ANG membership and participating in UTAs and AT. Technicians receive civil service salary and benefits during the workweek plus military pay when performing military duty, creating hybrid compensation packages combining civilian and military income streams.

Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS)

ADOS orders provide temporary full-time military duty for specific missions, projects, or operational requirements. ADOS tours range from 30 days to several years, with Airmen receiving active duty pay and allowances during the orders period. ADOS assignments offer flexibility for ANG members seeking extended active duty without AGR commitments.

Air National Guard Retirement Benefits

Air National Guard members earn retirement benefits through the Reserve retirement system, accumulating points toward retirement eligibility through drill participation, active duty service, and membership. The retirement calculation differs from active duty immediate retirement, with ANG retirees receiving benefits beginning at age 60 or earlier based on post-9/11 mobilization days.

Retirement points accumulate as:

• Active Duty Days: 1 point per day
• UTA/Drill Periods: 1 point per MUTA (maximum 48 annually from UTAs)
• Annual Training: 1 point per day
• Membership Points: 15 points annually for Selected Reserve membership

A qualifying year requires earning at least 50 retirement points. Members accumulating 20 qualifying years become eligible for retirement pay, calculated using total retirement points and high-36 average basic pay:

For example, an ANG member retiring with 5,000 total points and high-36 average monthly pay of $5,500:

The National Defense Authorization Act for 2008 created the "Grey Area Retirement" reduction, lowering retirement age by 3 months for every 90 days of active duty served in support of contingency operations after January 28, 2008, allowing some ANG members to access retirement benefits before age 60.

Tax Advantages of Military Pay

Military compensation receives favorable tax treatment that increases net value compared to equivalent civilian income. Basic pay is subject to federal income tax and FICA taxes, but allowances including BAH and BAS are not taxable, providing significant purchasing power advantages.

For example, receiving $12,000 annually in BAH provides equivalent purchasing power to approximately $16,000-18,000 in taxable civilian income depending on tax brackets, as the BAH amount is not reduced by federal income tax, state income tax, or FICA taxes.

Additional tax benefits for ANG members include:

• Combat zone tax exclusion for pay earned while deployed to designated combat zones
• State income tax exemptions in some states for military pay
• Travel expense deductions for unreimbursed costs traveling over 100 miles from home for duty
• Uniform purchase and maintenance expense deductions

Air National Guard members should consult IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide, for comprehensive military tax information and work with qualified tax professionals to optimize tax filing strategies.

Comparing ANG Pay to Civilian Opportunities

When evaluating Air National Guard service alongside civilian career options, consider both direct financial compensation and indirect benefits providing substantial economic value:

Healthcare Benefits: TRICARE Reserve Select provides comprehensive health insurance for drilling ANG members and families at subsidized premiums significantly below civilian market rates, potentially saving $5,000-15,000 annually compared to private insurance.

Education Benefits: The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) provides up to $426 monthly for eligible education and training ($5,112 annually). Many states offer additional state tuition assistance programs covering 100% of in-state tuition for ANG members, potentially worth $5,000-20,000+ annually.

Retirement Benefits: ANG retirement provides defined benefit pension income beginning at age 60 (or earlier), offering financial security unavailable in most civilian careers. The lifetime value of military retirement for a 20-year ANG retiree typically exceeds $500,000-1,000,000+ depending on rank, retirement age, and life expectancy.

Skills and Training: The Air Force invests hundreds of thousands of dollars in technical training, leadership development, and professional certifications that translate to civilian career advancement and earning potential.

Job Protection: The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects ANG members' civilian employment rights, ensuring reemployment after military duty and prohibiting discrimination based on military service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Air National Guard pay for one weekend?

Air National Guard pay for a standard 4-MUTA UTA weekend equals 1/30th of your monthly basic pay for your rank and years of service. For 2025, a Senior Airman (E-4) with over 2 years earns approximately $95.10 per UTA weekend, while a Staff Sergeant (E-5) with 6 years earns $122.83, and a Captain (O-3) with 6 years earns $233.43. Actual amounts vary by individual pay grade and time in service.

What is a MUTA in Air National Guard pay?

MUTA stands for Multiple Unit Training Assembly. One MUTA represents approximately 4 hours of training and equals 1/120th of your monthly basic pay. A standard ANG UTA weekend consists of 4 MUTAs (2 on Saturday, 2 on Sunday), totaling 16 hours of training and one day of active duty pay equivalent. Extended UTAs may include 6 or 8 MUTAs.

Do Air National Guard members get BAH?

Air National Guard members receive BAH when serving on active duty orders, including Annual Training and other activations. For AT periods under 30 days, members receive BAH RC/Transit (non-locality rates), currently averaging $1,068-1,314 monthly depending on rank and dependent status for 2025. Full-time AGR members and dual-status technicians receive locality-based BAH monthly. Traditional drilling members do not receive BAH for standard UTA weekends.

How much is Air National Guard Annual Training pay?

Annual Training pay equals your daily basic pay (monthly pay ÷ 30) multiplied by AT days served, typically 15 days. For 2025, a Senior Airman (E-4) with over 2 years earns approximately $1,426.50 for 15 days AT, a Staff Sergeant (E-5) with 6 years earns $1,842.45, and a Captain (O-3) with 6 years earns $3,501.45. AT orders typically also include BAH and BAS, substantially increasing total AT compensation.

What bonuses can Air National Guard members receive?

Air National Guard members may qualify for enlistment bonuses up to $50,000 for non-prior service recruits in critical AFSCs, affiliation bonuses up to $60,000 for prior service members, and Selective Retention Bonuses up to $90,000 for reenlistments in highly critical specialties. Bonus eligibility and amounts depend on career field, service commitment length, and current ANG manning requirements. Bonuses typically pay in equal annual installments over 5 years.

How much is flight pay in the Air National Guard?

Aviation Career Incentive Pay for ANG rated officers ranges from $125 to $1,000 monthly depending on years of aviation service and flight hours completed. Entry-level aviators (0-6 years) typically receive $125-250 monthly, mid-career (6-14 years) receive $350-650 monthly, and senior aviators (25+ years) can receive up to $1,000 monthly. Career Enlisted Flyer Incentive Pay provides similar compensation for enlisted aircrew members.

Is Air National Guard service worth it financially?

Air National Guard service provides substantial financial value through direct pay, allowances, bonuses, healthcare benefits, education benefits, and retirement benefits. While part-time ANG service alone typically generates $3,000-8,000+ annually in basic pay for traditional drilling members, comprehensive compensation including bonuses, special pays, TRICARE healthcare savings, GI Bill education benefits, and retirement value often exceeds $10,000-30,000+ annually in total economic benefit, making ANG service financially advantageous for many Airmen.

What is the 2025 military pay raise for Air National Guard?

The 2025 military pay raise for Air National Guard members consists of a 4.5% across-the-board increase effective January 1, 2025, plus an additional 10% targeted raise for junior enlisted (E-1 through E-4) effective April 1, 2025. Combined, junior enlisted Airmen received approximately 14.5% total pay increase from 2024 to 2025, while other ranks received the standard 4.5% increase.

How many years do you need to retire from the Air National Guard?

Air National Guard members need 20 qualifying years of service to earn retirement benefits. A qualifying year requires earning at least 50 retirement points through UTAs, annual training, active duty, and membership. Retirement pay begins at age 60, or earlier for members who served on qualifying active duty orders in support of contingency operations after January 28, 2008 (age reduced by 3 months for every 90 days of qualifying service).

Where can I find official Air National Guard pay information?

Official Air National Guard pay information is available from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) at dfas.mil, which publishes current military pay tables, Reserve Component drill pay tables, BAH rates, and BAS rates. The myPay portal at mypay.dfas.mil provides personalized pay statements and information. Air Force-specific resources include MyAirForceBenefits.us.af.mil for comprehensive benefits information and ANG unit finance offices for personalized assistance.