I’d be curious to compare it to being a doctor. Let’s assume an average career for both.

For the pilot, you’re probably looking at ballpark 125,000 for a four year degree and flight fees at a state school, maybe a Big ten school with a flight program in Indiana. Many will come in less than that with scholarships, some don’t have a good in state program and will end up with much more. First year FO pay at a regional with bonuses, roughly 75k. Upgrade at around the 18 month mark, you’re looking at maybe 55k year two, 75k year three, and 80k year four. Let’s say you work hard, network like crazy, and have a little luck- first year at a major (5 years post graduation) 90k- second year- 135k, third year, 140k, fourth year, 155k, fifth year upgrade 225k, sixth year (year 10 out of school) 230k.

Ends up being roughly 1.26 million dollars at year ten for an initial four year and 125k investment.

Let’s say a doctor does pre-med at a good state school. Let’s say they’re a Hoosier and go to another big ten school in southern Indiana. Call it 40k for tuition, 20k for living expenses. Let’s say they get a 10K scholarship, so 50k total. After four years they will attempt to get into med school somewhere. Let’s say they manage to get into IU school of medicine, and are in state. That is roughly 30k a year for four years- or 120k. We’re now up to 170k minimum in debt without any return. The pilot has made 285,000 and, if they were judicious with their money, have paid off their student debt. The med student must apply for a residency. Let’s say they get one- average pay is 65k and this can last 3+ years. By the time the residency is over, the pilot is at a major and nearing upgrade, routinely making 130+ a year. Let’s say the doctor gets a relatively in-demand specialty- they will likely make 300k a year. So, eventually the doctor will likely overtake the pilot 10-15 years after the pilot graduates, assuming the pilot just flies their line and does no extra work.

Now, I know you’re thinking “getting to a major isn’t a guarantee! I was stuck at so and so airline for 10 years!”- I totally agree, but not every pre-med student gets into medical school, and not ever med school graduate gets a residency (or the one they wanted). I’m just shooting for a middle of the road hypothetical.

I’ll put together a spreadsheet at some point to figure out exactly where the doctor would break even with the pilot, but I’m guessing it’s roughly 10-15 years down the road.

As far as other career fields, I know I’m making more as a regional captain than most of my engineer friends that were in my class. I’d venture the lawyer path looks similar or worse than the doctor path. Finance/business majors that land good jobs probably beat us out of the gate.