Originally Posted by
deltajuliet
About once a year historical pay rates get brought up, and for some reason I’m always fascinated. I’ve read a little about compensation in the late 40’s and early 50’s, but a contextual reference like that sheds a lot of light.
You’re a knowledgeable guy, maybe you’d have an idea. Any thoughts as to what a Pan Am Captain might make on a Boeing 314 or first generation 747, adjusted for inflation?
314... no idea. I'm guessing not that much since it was all new back than and big bucks for labor will not happen until the business model starts generating a lot of revenue.
Early 747... that's the mile marker for when the jet age had arrived in force. Also about the time that pilots started making really big bank (because airlines could afford it). Those guys could have gotten paid more than we do today (adjusted for inflation). Pilot pay peaked 60's - 90's, although it's back on the rise.
My sense is that the industry was pretty hard-scrabble in the early days and then got a little better in the 30's and 40's as pilots got unions. Money was secondary, the unions were initially about safety and schedules.
50's and 60's got better yet, and then off to races when the jets took over and business expanded.