Originally Posted by
tgec
I might piggy back on this thread. I’m in a similar place. Don’t care about pay, would like max career progression. Decent QoL while flying a ton would be nice. I imagine maximizing career progress would rule out any E-170/175 operator, since you’ll be sitting waiting for months for a sim slot.
For me, I prioritize the benefits (Health Insurance, Travel benefits for family etc) and also give preference to airlines that book you in decent hotels and workable schedules. I’d rather make $38/hr and get good sleep than make $45 or $50/hr and get eaten alive by bed bugs.
Thoughts?
For those saying that pay doesn't matter, your tune will change pretty quick during your first year at a Regional. Nobody likes working a job where their peers at another Regional is making more then $10 an hour more then them for doing the exact same job. You'll also find that the Regionals that pay more tend to be more stable and have better QOL rules. Also, going to a regional with better pay will force the ones still holding back to eventually increase pay to attract pilots. Another thing, if you think your stay at a Regional is just going to be a couple years before you are flying triple sevens across the Atlantic for United, asks those who came in the industry in 2000 and 2007.
So yes, pay should be a huge factor in choosing a Regional. Especially when it is an employee market out there.