I would imagine two pilots hired on January 1 at UAL and DAL would probably have very similar W2 when you include the profit sharing the DAL guy would get a few weeks into the second year. UAL pays more the first 7-12 weeks you are on property plus zero out of pocket expenses (it’s a pay cut when you get out training at UAL). DAL gives you profit sharing 14 months after you get hired....but at the end of the day I am willing to bet the total compensation is with in 1% when you include the profit sharing check into first year DAL guys total compensation.