That is not the point. If you have no debt from college or flight school it is a good salary. If you haven't had to live for 4-5 years below 20,000 it is good money. Most pilots start out behind the power curve. I went to college and then to flight school. Timed it just right to start my career August 2001. I am 30 and just now making mid 40's. I spent the last 3-4 years making in the 18-20,000 range trying like hell to get the hours to move on to better things. If I had been making 50,000 a year with no school debt all along, I would be doing fine right now. As it is I was servicing my debts, but not paying them off over the last few years. Now I am finally making enough to have disposable income, but it is all going to trying to pay off school loans. I might have my flight school and college paid off by 35. Then maybe I can start saving for retirement or maybe buy a house. BTW, I am not as bad off as a lot of people. I only owe 35K on my education.