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Air Force Airman

E-2 Enlisted Airman, U.S. Air Force
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Airman First Class

Air Force Ranks » Airman RankAmn PayAmn Rank History

Rank badge of a Airman E-2 Airman - U.S. Air Force Ranks

Air Force Airman
Air Force E-2 Airman Air Force Military Ranks
Class Enlisted Airman
Abbr. Amn
Title Airman (last name)
Paygrade E-2 (DoD Paygrade)
OR-2 (NATO Code)
Basic Pay $2,055/mo

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 basic training, under certain circumstances. An Airman's responsibilities include adjusting to Air Force life and studying in an Air Force school for a specific specialty. Some specialties include technical skills in aircraft, weapons, the medical field, security and more.

Their rank insignia is a silver chevron, with the point down, outlined in blue and with an encircled star in the center. Common nicknames for an Airman are “Mosquito Wings” or “Wingnut,” because their rank insignia has only one chevron.

Airman is the 2nd rank in the United States Air Force , ranking above Airman Basic and directly below Airman First Class. An airman is an Enlisted Airman at DoD paygrade E-2, with a starting monthly pay of $2,055.

How do you become a Airman?

An Airman is most often promoted from Airman Basic (AB), although promotion from lower paygrades may occur with sufficient display of leadership and experience.

However, many enlistees can be promoted to airman immediately after basic training if they meet any of the following qualifications:

  • Completed two years of Junior ROTC during high school.
  • Achieved Eagle Scout or received the Gold Award from the Boys/Girls Scouts.
  • Completed 20 college semester/30 college quarter hours.

What is the proper way to address a Airman?

The correct way to address a Airman named Mr. Rodriguez is "Airman Rodriguez", or written as Amn Rodriguez. In formal situations, a Airman should always be addressed by their full rank.

How much does a Airman earn?

Basic pay for an entry-level Airman with 2 or less years of experience is $2,054.70 per month.

A Airman receives an automatic raise to their basic pay every one to two years. Basic pay is only a small percentage of a Airman's final compensation package.

In addition to a monthly basic pay salary, a Air Force Airman may be eligible for multiple types of allowances and bonus pay including hostile fire pay, hazard pay, and more.

For full details on the Air Force's Airman compensation and retirement plan, visit the 2024 Air Force Airman Pay Chart. A full table of the Air Force's current paygrades are available at the Air Force Pay Chart.

Patch of a Airman Equivalent Ranks to the Air Force's E-2 Airman

To learn more about the Air Force's rank structure, see our complete list of Air Force ranks.

The Government civilian-employee equivalent of a Airman is paid under the General Schedule payscale. For more details, see this Air Force rank to GS grade conversion table .

To see a list of military medals and decorations that can be earned by servicemembers in the Air Force and other branches of the military, see our list of military decorations and medals.