Multi Engine time

[bdhill1979]

Originally Posted by Murdoughnut

Many guys over there take great offense to pilots who say they don't care about low pay. Some are just trying to make the industry a better place, but others are people who see aviation as simply a job, and really never had any passion for it. Nonetheless, I was being sarcastic - I really wouldn't say anything like that on fi.com

I have noticed that a lot of people are very sensitive about that, but I just see it as the reality of the industry that you will basically be exploited getting your start. I cant afford to turn down a job just because it doesnt pay what I think I am worth. Really, what job does pay you what you are actually worth?

[Murdoughnut]

Originally Posted by bdhill1979

I have noticed that a lot of people are very sensitive about that, but I just see it as the reality of the industry that you will basically be exploited getting your start. I cant afford to turn down a job just because it doesnt pay what I think I am worth. Really, what job does pay you what you are actually worth?

I agree - it's all market economics. When I was in grad school I made $12k a year (this was four years ago). It sucked, but that was just the price you had to pay to become a college professor - everyone knew it and served their time - even though most of us hated grad school. The only ones who complained were the ones who had families. I tried to be sympathetic, but in truth, they should never have left their old job if they and their family weren't willing/able to make the sacrifice. Same thing with aviation. At least you're being paid crap money to do something you love.

[ChrisH]

Originally Posted by bdhill1979

I have noticed that a lot of people are very sensitive about that, but I just see it as the reality of the industry that you will basically be exploited getting your start. I cant afford to turn down a job just because it doesnt pay what I think I am worth. Really, what job does pay you what you are actually worth?

None. I've looked into the average salaries for other jobs, outside of aviation, and it is hard to find one that has an average salary over $70-$80K. Not that $80K is bad money, but some people have the idea that other people are easily making $100K, which isn't the case at all.

From what I've read, the average salary for someone with a bachelors degree is $65K, masters degree, $83K, and PhD, $103K. Those salaries are lower than what I would have thought, especially for a masters and PhD.

[bdhill1979]

Originally Posted by ChrisH

None. I've looked into the average salaries for other jobs, outside of aviation, and it is hard to find one that has an average salary over $70-$80K. Not that $80K is bad money, but some people have the idea that other people are easily making $100K, which isn't the case at all.

From what I've read, the average salary for someone with a bachelors degree is $65K, masters degree, $83K, and PhD, $103K. Those salaries are lower than what I would have thought, especially for a masters and PhD.

I think it is simply a problem of perception and many people living beyond their means giving the illusion that they make more money than they do. A guy I know just bought a $250000 house and a new truck and I know for certain that he is only making $45-50000 a year, plus his student loan debts. I guess to some people as long as you can make the payment it is "affordable". Doesnt really matter that he has no furniture, or gas money for his truck.

[Murdoughnut]

Originally Posted by ChrisH

From what I've read, the average salary for someone with a bachelors degree is $65K, masters degree, $83K, and PhD, $103K. Those salaries are lower than what I would have thought, especially for a masters and PhD.

Yeah, and that average is figured using everyone in the workforce who has that degree - that's not starting salary. Many first year lawyers I know of are shocked when they get out of law school and can only make $35-$45 a year (some more depending on workload/location). The problem is that when they passed the bar exam, so too did tens of thousands of others. In Texas there's a lawyer for every 90 people.

You'll see these numbers decrease over time as well now that just about anyone who can fog up a mirror can get any of these degrees.

[killbilly]

Originally Posted by Murdoughnut

Yeah, and that average is figured using everyone in the workforce who has that degree - that's not starting salary. Many first year lawyers I know of are shocked when they get out of law school and can only make $35-$45 a year (some more depending on workload/location). The problem is that when they passed the bar exam, so too did tens of thousands of others. In Texas there's a lawyer for every 90 people.

You'll see these numbers decrease over time as well now that just about anyone who can fog up a mirror can get any of these degrees.

I was having this conversation with my girlfriend the other day. Up until verrrrry recently, I made considerably more than she did, even though she has a Master's Degree and I don't even have a bachelor's. Her best friend just took the bar exam in TX, and is making about 50K right now.

What's funny is that I'm starting back to school in the spring semester, because as I've been looking at some possible new jobs, the lack of degree is hamstringing me - I make in the 50's right now plus commissions, but biz hasn't been great. Meanwhile, she has gone up 20K in a year, and has the potential to earn a great deal more - she could, if she stays with what she does, very easily break 100K before she turns 35 - she's 29 now.

She used to complain that she was underpaid and overeducated, and I used to tell her that long term potential would reverse that trend. She's seeing that now, and it's precisely the same reason (that, and some preaching from Doug and a few others finally convinced me) that I am enrolling back in school for the spring semester.

[ChrisH]

Originally Posted by Murdoughnut

You'll see these numbers decrease over time as well now that just about anyone who can fog up a mirror can get any of these degrees.

They already are decreasing. Salaries are down 4% in 'Corporate America'.