There are a few things that are missing from this graph. One major thing is training pay. Some companies pay really well during training, and some pay less than guarantee. This equates to a few thousand dollars. Also, it is nice to "estimate" 75 hours of credit per month, but that is possible at some airlines, while it is easy to credit 90 at others.

I have not credited less than 85 hours a month since my third month on the line, and often credit much more than that due to SDO pay. I would think that time on reserve plus upgrade time are very important.

PSA's pay was about equal to everyone else about 18 months ago, but the reserve time was really low as was the upgrade time. That is why PSA was able to hire so many people so quickly. Any prior 121 guys were making captains pay after 6 months. Now, upgrades have stopped, and people will be on reserve for a long time. The pay rates stayed the same, but the amount of money made by new hires is far less.

The pay rates mean nothing. Please understand this. The amount you are able to make is far more important, and not dependent on pay rates.