Annual Salary
£33,000 to £51,000
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
Swap to Maintenance or Manufacturing or go back to all job sectors
Swap to Maintenance or Manufacturing or go back to all job sectors
RAF officers work in a number of roles and are responsible for the welfare and discipline of personnel under their command.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; away from home
There will be
3.4% more RAF officer jobs in 2027.
As an RAF officer, your duties will depend on your job.
You could:
You could work at a military base or in a warzone.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding.
You can get into this job by applying directly.
You can apply directly for roles as an RAF officer.
You'll need a minimum of:
If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to an adviser at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. You'll also take an aptitude test.
If you're successful, you'll be invited to attend the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAF College, Cranwell in Lincolnshire. You'll take part in a one-day selection process which includes tests for aptitude, initiative and fitness. You'll then have an interview and a medical examination.
RAF Reserve
You can join the RAF Reserve in some roles as a part-time officer. This will give you experience of what life is like in the Royal Air Force, and you'll learn new skills at the same time.
You'll need to:
Air Cadets
If you're between 13 and 17 years old, you can join the Air Cadets.
The skills you learn and experiences you gain will benefit you whatever career path you choose. Cadets have many opportunities, including UK and overseas camps, leadership courses and air experience flights.
You'll need to:
Most RAF officers join as direct entrants and receive specialist officer training rather than doing an apprenticeship.
Visit RAF Recruitment for information on the apprenticeships and training and development that the RAF does offer.
You'll find more details about how to become an officer through RAF Recruitment.
With experience, you could move up the ranks from flying officer to air commodore or higher.
You could go into a wide range of careers once you leave the RAF. Your career choices will depend on the skills, training and qualifications you've gained during your service.
You can find details about support and career opportunities from:Quest; Career Transition Partnership; Forces Employment Charity; Get Into Teaching
You'll need: