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Before you enlist in the Air Force, it is helpful to understand the chain of command above you. It’s no secret that Air Force ranks can be a confusing topic to learn, let alone master.
Use the information below to help you learn the difference between an Airman, Technical Sergeant and Chief Master Sergeant.
For most new recruits, you’ll start out as an Airman Basic, but quickly get promoted to Airman or Airman First Class.
Explore all of the Air Force enlisted ranks from highest to lowest:
| Pay Grade | Insignia | Title | Abbreviation | Total Active | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-9 |  |
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force | CMSAF | 2,481 | Pay Chart |
| E-9 |  |
Command Chief Master Sergeant | CCM | Pay Chart | |
| E-9 |  |
Chief Master Sergeant | CMSgt | Pay Chart | |
| E-9 |  |
1st Sergeant | 1st Sgt | Pay Chart | |
| E-8 |  |
Senior Master Sergeant | SMSgt | 4,912 | Pay Chart |
| E-8 |  |
First Sergeant | 1st Sgt | Pay Chart | |
| E-7 |  |
Master Sergeant | MSgt | 24,659 | Pay Chart |
| E-7 |  |
First Sergeant | 1st Sgt | Pay Chart | |
| E-6 |  |
Technical Sergeant | TSgt | 39,707 | Pay Chart |
| E-5 |  |
Staff Sergeant | SSgt | 59,181 | Pay Chart |
| E-4 |  |
Senior Airman | SrA | 60,411 | Pay Chart |
| E-3 |  |
Airman First Class | A1C | 41,993 | Pay Chart |
| E-2 |  |
Airman | AMN | 6,184 | Pay Chart |
| E-1 | No Insignia | Airman Basic | AB | 9,800 | Pay Chart |
—
Active Duty Personnel Stats via DMDC