Corporate Pay.......

[PGA07]

Since there is a thread in the general forum about regional pay I thought I would start this one. I know it varies according to a/c type, total time and time in type...............but.............what could a 1500 - 2000 total time flight instructor with 200 multi time expect to make in the right seat of a King Air 350 or a Citation?

Basically the first stepping stone to a corporate job. Does the pay increase like it does (as dramatically) at the regionals and majors even though upgrade time my be much longer? I ask this because I know many frac./corp. positions require a type rating in 2 a/c. Since you are flying more than one a/c does the pay reflect this?

[FSIPILOT]

It changes so much from company to company, it boils down to what ever you can shake out for yourself in most cases. Starting out right seat in a 350 or 500 I'd say 24k and up might be about right. It really depends, 91 will generaly pay more than 135. Good luck... try to haggel for health insurance.

[mbtrebbe]

Avoid 135 if you can. Some people like it but with a GOOD 91 dept. QOL is much better. Money too. Anywhere from $150/200 day is typical starting. Plan on bein broke... lol.

[C650CPT]

Originally Posted by mbtrebbe

Anywhere from $150/200 day is typical starting. Plan on bein broke... lol.

This is probably the more realistic opportunity ... starting out with a day rate vs finding a full time gig. I would highly recomend looking for a part time with a company that you think you would like to work for full time as most full time jobs are developed from thier part time staff.

Be ready for rejection based on your tt, the insurance companies really like to see higher numbers ... but don't take that as a reason not to try. You'll be developing your networking skills and helping define your career goals.

Jim

[JDE]

If you can, get your hands on a copy of Professional Pilot Magazine's Salary Survey. They do one every summer...usually in the month of June. It contains pretty good information as far as I can tell. It lists Part 91, charter, fractional, airline, EMS, and a few other areas of aviation and it also lists the type of aircraft for each so it's easy to compare.

Also, keep in mind the "its who you know" thing. If you find someone you likes you and hires you, there is always the chance that they'll take good care of you as well.

[PGA07]

Thanks for all of the input. I know the scales are all over. One just has to hope for the best I guess.

[DA-2000guy]

a lot of this depends on Location. On the west coast or NY area you couldn't fill a seat for 24K. In the midwest there are pilots that would do it for less. You best bet is figure out what is "fair" for you and the company. I'd say a decent wage. 22-45k, benifits and a type rating would be the way to go. Don't pay for your own training.

[ATPInstructor]

PGA07

When I acquired 135 mins I landed a job making 33,000 as a Cessna Caravan pilot. This was about eight years ago and the companies pay scale is about the same now. This is in the Midwest. I made the move through the fleet at the following rates, all with a good medical, vision, dental, three weeks of vacation and a 401K program.

Navajo Captain- 40,000
KingAir Captain- 45,000 or 250/day
Lear Co-pilot-35,000 or 250/day
Lear Captain-55,000 or 300-400/day

*note all day rates do not include a set salary of 1000/month

After six years with the company I left while on pace for a 70-80,000 dollar year.

The numbers I gave you are very close to the pro-pilot survey and the use of a Citation 500 type should get you about the same salary as the Lear 35.

Although 135 operations are not for everybody some pilots thrive in this environment. I really liked my job but left if for another one just as good.

If you have and 135 operations questions feel free to send them my way.

Best of luck,

Bill