The Air Force’s promotion rate for new technical sergeants is holding steady in 2026 at around one-quarter of those eligible—but a sharp decline in the pool of those considered means the total number of new E-6s will be much lower.
technical sergeant
Airmen stood a better chance of making it to technical sergeant in 2025, as about 1 in 4 eligible staff sergeants were picked for the promotion. This year is the third in a row where E-6 promotion rates have increased.