Airmen (Amn) wear a chevron of one stripe with a silver star in the center. Pay grade is E-2. When an Airman is still an apprentice, he is expected to understand and conform to military standards. The official term of address is "airman."

Airman First Class (A1C) wear a chevron of two stripes with a silver star in the center. It is necesary for Airman First Class to comply with Air Force standards and be a role model for subordinates. He or she is expected to devote efforts to mastering the necessary skills in the new career field.

Senior Airmen (SrA) wear a chevron of three stripes with a silver star in the center. Pay grade is E-4. Personnel serving as SrA are in a transition period from journeyman/worker to NCO. They must develop supervisory and leadership skills through PME (Professional Military Education) and individual study. All SrA should conduct themselves in a manner commensurate with established standards, thereby asserting a positive influence on other airmen.

Staff Sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries. The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.

Technical Sergeant, or Tech Sergeant, is the sixth enlisted rank (E-6) in the U.S. Air Force, just above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant. A technical sergeant is a non-commissioned officer and abbreviated as TSgt. Official terms of address are "Technical Sergeant" or "Sergeant", although many use "Tech Sergeant".

Advancement to master sergeant is one of the most significant promotions within the enlisted Air Force. At the rank of master sergeant, the Airman enters the senior non-commissioned tier and his or her duties begin to focus on leadership and management rather than technical performance.

Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt) is the eighth enlisted rank (pay grade E-8) in the U.S. Air Force, just above Master Sergeant and below Chief Master Sergeant and is a senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO).

The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) is a unique non-commissioned rank in the United States Air Force. The holder of this rank and post represents the highest enlisted level of leadership in the Air Force, and as such, provides direction for the enlisted corps and represents their interests, as appropriate, to the American public, and to those in all levels of government.