I was a first year first officer at Chautauqua last year. Most of the year I was a bottom line holder at MKE. I averaged between 75-80 credit hours per month. I just looked at my 2011 return and my average take home pay was $964 per month. That's after the deductions for uniforms, union fees, health insurance, taxes, 401K, etc. I did take a lot out for 401K, so maybe if you were an average guy your take home pay would be about $1100 per month. Hopefully you have a second income or a spouse that makes money!