You Can't Make Money Being A Pilot!!!

[SD3Dog]

I think the guy said that all the "people or schools" were telling him that there wasn't money in it. He just wanted to hear it from the horses mouth. Whats the big deal? Like others have said he will learn. BTW from what I have gathered you can make (at a decent regional and with upgrades as they are "today") 27k year 1, 34k year two, 36 - 45k depending if you upgrade year 3 and on up. So yea, its not UPS money but most people can make it work. Like anything else you have to pay your dues. To the guy who posted question. You will find a bunch of people who need to vent and rant on about how they feel things should be. Alot of the time they are right but you need to take it with a grain of salt sometimes. Hell, you might be that guy in a few years. Just don't let negativaty and nay sayers run your life. FWIW. This profession is a hard row to hoe but there are alot worse jobs. One of my AE 8 yr FO friends still says "it beats working for a living" Now ofcourse hes joking but if you have worked in construction or other laborous work it almost is true. We get to fly planes for a living. Most people only dream about such things. Its all about perspective.

[E_Dawg]

Pilots are generally not compensated adequately for the job they do and all the responsibility that goes with it. That said you can make $ in flying, but it will not make you rich and you will never be 'the man'.

[Fly4Pay]

Originally Posted by PCL_128

Just try not to get too deep into debt while working as a regional FO the first few years.

I also like what an AA captain told an FO friend of mine there....

"If you keep your FE wife and your FO house, you have a shot at keeping your captain's retirement!"

Seriously, this is where a lot of guys blow it in life, and this profession is no different. Live within your means, or even better, below your means. Downturns, pay cuts, and furloughs are very common in this business. No matter what pay level you're at, don't expect it to last. Just because you're making $150k today doesn't mean you can afford the $450k house.

Also, when looking at the numbers for pay, remember that airlines pay you the same whether you live in California or Georgia. What seems like low pay in one place may be quite livable in another. And, what seems like the jackpot may turn out to be peanuts if you move somewhere close to domicile and it turns out to be expensive. Take ALL of that into account when planning the financial side of things.

And on top of all that, take into account the most important thing--do you enjoy it. I took an even bigger pay cut than PCL_128 to start at AirTran, but it's worth it. I'm liking life a LOT better than I used to. And because I do, my wife does. And my kids. And that's worth more than the paycheck.

[belliott]

Originally Posted by PGT

..

kids are expensive
marriages are expensive
divorce lawyers are expensive
child support is expensive

repeat above in that order

then you have:
alcohol
strip clubs
cigarettes

LMAO...... too true.... you might also want to add a slight lapse in pay for those inevitable strikes or furloughs.

[Tiger815]

Originally Posted by youngflyer

You might start at 18-20 but you will move up quick. Maybe pulling 70k in four years as a regional CAPTAIN.

Or you might make that your first year out of school in lots of professions.

[moxiepilot]

Originally Posted by NEWBY101

Why is it 9 out of 10 people or schools I talk to tell me I'm not going to make money as a pilot?

I have talked to at least four schools in the Tucson area that have told me I will not make more than 18-20k a year for 5-10 years after I get out of flight school with a CFII!


Very frustrated right now!!!!

Your first few years you may make little money, so 9 out of 10 people are probably accurate.

20k is about right for the first few years as a CFI and then entry level job after CFIing


Don't get too frusterated, just plan plan plan

[PGA07]

Originally Posted by Tiger815

Or you might make that your first year out of school in lots of professions.

This may be true. However, show me one of those jobs that starts you at that pay level and provides yearly increases like aviation does.

As it was stated by SD3Dog, most who have worked real world jobs and transitioned into aviation, will take the good with the bad and in my opinion, handle the bad much better than those who went from the party life to the professional cockpit.

It's all in how each individual looks at it, however, DO NOT think $100,000 incomes are as rampant as most suggest.

[pedro]

Originally Posted by Tiger815

Or you might make that your first year out of school in lots of professions.

if you're lucky. Name me one profession that guarantees you that you'll even make 60K out of college... How many people do you know that came out of college going into the professional world as an intern? The reality is most professions take a few years to get to that level.

[wheelsup]

In todays environment newly minted commercial pilots and CFI's have it really good. I get mailings from Pan Am and ERAU all the time inviting me to come interview. $50k at PanAm, ERAU is offering free tuition and MEI, full benefits, if I remember correctly a few years ago you started off making $15 and change, and pretty much everyone worked 40+ hours a week, which when you add together the free tuition the entire benefit package is pretty good, all for being a CFI.

[ElyJs]

"If you keep your FE wife and your FO house, you have a shot at keeping your captain's retirement!"

This is really the issue. Americans have the lowest savings of almost every country in the world. I am still trying to discipline myself, but pretty much I spend what I make. Its amazing at how much different that number is, yet when I look back my QOL didn't change that much. Granted I have never made more than $3500 in my best month.

-Jason

[Schinpop]

Originally Posted by pedex

if you're lucky. Name me one profession that guarantees you that you'll even make 60K out of college...

Electrical engineers can easily pull down 60K or more their first year out of college.

You only wanted one, right?

[ElyJs]

Every one of my friends with an engineering degree is being offered at minimum 45k.

Everyone else is offered sales job that they have the potential to make more but usually have low base pay. There commission also doesn't start kicking in for the first half year or so, but after that they seem to do quite well.

Money should be on the list when considering aviation as a profession, but you need to ask yourself on high on your list it is. If making money based on your performance is very important you may become a bitter pilot.

I am all about making as much cash as I can, but flying airplanes and having more than 2 weeks vacation are much more important. If you work m-f 8-6, do you know how hard it is to get your laundry, groceries, exercise, bank etc done?
-Jason

[Minnesota_Flyer]

Originally Posted by Schinpop

Electrical engineers can easily pull down 60K or more their first year out of college.

You only wanted one, right?

I'm not sure "easily" is accurate. Possibly, maybe. Average starting salary for EEs is only about $54k.

http://www.collegejournal.com/salary...gineering.html


The more important question is do you want to be an EE or a pilot? Money is nice, but it doesn't make up for spending 40-50 hours/weeks in a job you don't enjoy.

[dbrault17]

Originally Posted by ElyJs

This is really the issue. Americans have the lowest savings of almost every country in the world. I am still trying to discipline myself, but pretty much I spend what I make.

-Jason

Take out a little bit of money ON paycheck Friday then live off whats left over. Sucks for the first paycheck or two but you wouldnt even notice it after that.

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by Toonces

Am I the only one that is pissed off by "Newbies'" first post? I am tired of people coming to this profession with such low expectations. People wonder why airlines aren't handing out fists full of cash. Answer: because too many chumps come crawling out of the woodwork who only wish to make enough to pay the rent on their mobile home and have enough left over to buy a six pack. Do all the real professional aviators a favor and take that "I don't need to make money" attitude to walmart.

We need to expect more if we are to get more.

Low expectations? You have got to be kidding me! One person tells me not to fly because of the money, another tells me TO fly because of the money. That comment just pissed me off! I want to fly because I want to fly, but, again, it would be nice to be able to eat while I'm doing it and if I get conflicting answers when I fist start this career, then don't you think its wise for me to ask questions? thats why I posted this! Not so some person can't bad mouth me because I don't already know everything that they might! So please try to represent your profession a little better than some guy that has absolutly no patience with a brand new member of thier community.

[PGA07]

Originally Posted by Minnesota_Flyer

I'm not sure "easily" is accurate. Possibly, maybe. Average starting salary for EEs is only about $54k.

http://www.collegejournal.com/salary...gineering.html


The more important question is do you want to be an EE or a pilot? Money is nice, but it doesn't make up for spending 40-50 hours/weeks in a job you don't enjoy.

DING, DING, DING

I think that is why there are a lot of pilots who are career changers. They went into the business world, they chased the money (some found it others didn't), they chased the lifestyle (what ever one they were after) and they ultimately discovered that they were not happy!

Those that made the change (whether it was to aviation or another field that they were interested in) were the lucky ones. They realized that in order to achieve what they want in life and be happy with thier place in life, they need to be happy with themselves. And in order to due that, they needed to pursue a profession that made them happy.

Everyone lives and dies, but only a select few really live!

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by ChadW346

He said in another thread that he's 31.

My understanding is not that he's coming in with lowered expectations. He's just new and wants to understand the reality of working up the ladder in this profession. I would say this is a great place to come and figure that out before deciding to pursue it.

Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. Thank you for setting the record strait!

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by SIUav8er

man, that was a little harsh! the guys in the right place. im sure if he sticks around here, he'll learn! (I sure did!) but just the opposite will happen if everyone makes these types of comments to a new member of the forum. IMO jetcareers is really geared toward newer pilots getting started, or consdiering a career in aviation. Its great that there is so much experience in the membership here, but if you really look at the big picture, a huge part of JC is about helping the new guys.

Thank you...

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by SD3Dog

I think the guy said that all the "people or schools" were telling him that there wasn't money in it. He just wanted to hear it from the horses mouth. Whats the big deal? Like others have said he will learn. BTW from what I have gathered you can make (at a decent regional and with upgrades as they are "today") 27k year 1, 34k year two, 36 - 45k depending if you upgrade year 3 and on up. So yea, its not UPS money but most people can make it work. Like anything else you have to pay your dues. To the guy who posted question. You will find a bunch of people who need to vent and rant on about how they feel things should be. Alot of the time they are right but you need to take it with a grain of salt sometimes. Hell, you might be that guy in a few years. Just don't let negativaty and nay sayers run your life. FWIW. This profession is a hard row to hoe but there are alot worse jobs. One of my AE 8 yr FO friends still says "it beats working for a living" Now ofcourse hes joking but if you have worked in construction or other laborous work it almost is true. We get to fly planes for a living. Most people only dream about such things. Its all about perspective.

Thank you for your advice. I've been in the work force for a while now(15years operations supervisor for a school distrcit & sales) I understand about bad jobs, I just want to fly for a living, and answers like the one you gave help me make that choice. Thanks again.

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by Fly4Pay

I also like what an AA captain told an FO friend of mine there....

"If you keep your FE wife and your FO house, you have a shot at keeping your captain's retirement!"

Seriously, this is where a lot of guys blow it in life, and this profession is no different. Live within your means, or even better, below your means. Downturns, pay cuts, and furloughs are very common in this business. No matter what pay level you're at, don't expect it to last. Just because you're making $150k today doesn't mean you can afford the $450k house.

Also, when looking at the numbers for pay, remember that airlines pay you the same whether you live in California or Georgia. What seems like low pay in one place may be quite livable in another. And, what seems like the jackpot may turn out to be peanuts if you move somewhere close to domicile and it turns out to be expensive. Take ALL of that into account when planning the financial side of things.

And on top of all that, take into account the most important thing--do you enjoy it. I took an even bigger pay cut than PCL_128 to start at AirTran, but it's worth it. I'm liking life a LOT better than I used to. And because I do, my wife does. And my kids. And that's worth more than the paycheck.

More great advice. Thanks again.

[Murdoughnut]

Originally Posted by NEWBY101

Why is it 9 out of 10 people or schools I talk to tell me I'm not going to make money as a pilot?

Because 9 out of 10 potential pilots who hear that will still dump $70k+ to get into the profession. Supply and demand yo. I recently decided not to pursue professional aviation once and for all. Money isn't everything, but I didn't think it was responsible to drag my family through years of "scraping by" just so I could live out a fantasy. That's not what my father taught me about being a responsible husband and father. To each his own, though.

[PGA07]

Originally Posted by Murdoughnut

Because 9 out of 10 potential pilots who hear that will still dump $70k+ to get into the profession. Supply and demand yo. I recently decided not to pursue professional aviation once and for all. Money isn't everything, but I didn't think it was responsible to drag my family through years of "scraping by" just so I could live out a fantasy. That's not what my father taught me about being a responsible husband and father. To each his own, though.

Say it ain't so yo.................

In all seriousness, I give you props for taking into account ALL aspects of your life that could be affected by your decision to chase this career. It must not have been an easy decision to make.

Wishing you the very best in what ever you pursue!

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by Murdoughnut

Because 9 out of 10 potential pilots who hear that will still dump $70k+ to get into the profession. Supply and demand yo. I recently decided not to pursue professional aviation once and for all. Money isn't everything, but I didn't think it was responsible to drag my family through years of "scraping by" just so I could live out a fantasy. That's not what my father taught me about being a responsible husband and father. To each his own, though.

I just want my family and I to be happy. If there are other ways to make a living as a pilot( and I'm not talking 100K a year ) I will explore those options as well. Thanks for your input.

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by PGA07

Say it ain't so yo.................

In all seriousness, I give you props for taking into account ALL aspects of your life that could be affected by your decision to chase this career. It must not have been an easy decision to make.

Wishing you the very best in what ever you pursue!

Thanks again.

[Bumblebee]

Originally Posted by Kristie

was that really necessary??

It was funny . . .

although unnecessary.

COME ON!PGT