Originally Posted by
SkyHigh
In the neat future the line between the regionals and majors will thin to the point where there really will be no benefit to going to one other than the chance to fly a bigger plane.
Even now it would take a regional captain many years to get back to where they are in regards to pay and schedules. Soon the regionals, legacy and LCC's will be nearly on par with one another.
A pilot could earn 50K as an RJ captain or 50K as a 737 FO for a legacy. The deciding point will be bases, perceived future prospects and advancement.
SKyHigh
Most regional RJ CA will make about 60K-65K their first year as CA (Yr 2-3 pay) while toping out around 80K-100K. At the majors you will make 30-60K and as an FO toping out around 100K-140K (as FO). Which is a lot more than a regional CA will ever make AND you're pay schedule will almost coincide with your previous regional pay, that is until you exceed it around Yr 4-7 at the majors. Once you upgrade to CA at the majors you’ll make 130K-240K and I don't ever see any regional paying that to fly RJs. Why go to the majors? Mainly pay and equipment. Don't go there for QOL because it will take you far longer to gain it.