Salaries at USAFA

Salary expectations at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, are primarily determined by role, rank, and years of service, as the institution operates under federal government pay structures. As a military academy, many positions are tied to military pay grades for active-duty personnel, while civilian roles often follow General Schedule (GS) pay scales established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Salaries can vary based on experience, academic credentials for faculty, and additional allowances for housing or location. While USAFA does not publish specific, transparent salary bands for individual roles, general pay scales for military and civilian federal employees are accessible through government resources.

• Cadet Instructor (Military Faculty): Typically earns between $50,000 - $80,000 USD annually, depending on military rank (often Captain to Major) and years of service. Additional benefits like housing allowances may apply.
• Civilian Professor: Salaries range from $70,000 - $120,000 USD per year, often aligned with GS-12 to GS-14 pay grades. Compensation may increase with tenure, research funding, or administrative duties.
• Department Chair: Earns approximately $100,000 - $150,000 USD annually, reflecting senior academic leadership roles. Bonuses or stipends for special projects may be available.
• Administrative Staff: Salaries typically fall between $40,000 - $70,000 USD per year, based on GS-7 to GS-11 levels. Pay varies with experience and specific job responsibilities.

Salaries at USAFA are generally competitive within the public sector, as they adhere to standardized federal pay scales that ensure consistency across government institutions. Progression often depends on promotions in military rank or GS level advancements for civilians, with periodic adjustments for cost-of-living or legislative changes. Compared to private universities, compensation may be lower for senior academic roles, but benefits such as job security, pensions, and healthcare packages add significant value. As a federal institution, USAFA's salary structure reflects broader public sector benchmarking rather than market-driven trends in higher education.