The problem most of us have is that this is the only career we know, so how else do we compare what is 'good pay' other than the next company is paying more for a bigger plane?

Short story...dad was Air Force pilot in the 70s and didn't get on board when the airlines were making their Vietnam era hiring dash. So, he went to work at IBM. Late 80s come around, and he had been there 10 years, but UA was hiring again. Tossed in his application, and the letter came back extending him an interview.

The pay was about 40% what he was making at IBM, not to mention I was about 3 at the time. Instead of going airline, he stayed put and got a very nice pension when he retired back in 2003 at the age of 56. Name me an airline that offers/offered this.

Its the same old song and dance. Until pilots understand their true worth, we will settle for what is on the table because hey, its more than the last job or what the other outfit is offering.