Originally Posted by ChrisH  I don't think you sound negative. You have some really good points. Entry level pay does need to improve at the regional level. However, remember that you made a job change, which is part of the reason for your salary being $19K, two years into it. If you had been at your current company for the two years, you'd probably be making double that salary, or more. (not being negative about that, as I'm sure you wouldn't trade your time, and experience with your other company)
As far as other careers, doctors, lawyers, etc. They do make good money, albiet, lawyers do not all make six figures, but those careers also have much higher entry level requirements. That is one of the areas, where pilots sell themselves short. To become a doctor, one must go through 10 years of schooling, work very long, stressful hours, and are in an average of $150-200K of debt, upon graduating. Lawyers must also go through 6+ years of schooling, are often in a lot of debt, from law school, and must pass a bar exam. often times, pay isn't on the high end, for starting lawyers.
And, although not everybody can do it, as you pointed out, theoretically, someone can write a check for $50K, and be a pilot a few months later. And, with hiring like it is, they can get hired with 300TT, and no college degree. This is one of the places, where things need to change.
I think Minnesota_Flyer made a good point. There is a misconception that all pilots make $300K and work 10 days per month. There also seems to be a misconception, within aviation, that outside of aviation, pay is much better. All one has to do, is look at income statistics, and they will see that is not true. Less than 6% of Americans make six figures, and those six figures jobs aren't any easier to get, than that pilot trying to get on with UPS, FedEx, SWA, etc.
Again, I am not sticking up for the pay, and I will be one of the first in line to fight for better contracts. The way I see it, if my sole purpose for becoming an airline pilot, is to make things better for those who come behind me, than I have done my job. And, FWIW, I believe we will see imrpoved contracts, and pay, over the coming years, at the majors, and regionals, as contracts become ammendable. I think part of the problem is educating the younger pilots. I am 23, and don't fly for the airlines, yet, and I feel like I know more about the issues than those, my age, currently sitting in the right seat, or for that matter, the left seat. |