Originally Posted by
exp96
As far as hourly rates go, SWA pilots make more than AA pilots on the same equipment but there is more to the story.
Let's assume two pilots are hired at AA and SWA. Here are some numbers that show what their total compensation will be over a 20 year career. These numbers assume upgrade in year 10 at both, 75 hours of credit a month, and today's wages (as posted in ALPC). I also assumed the AA pilot is on the 737 for his/her whole career and the SWA pilot will recieve 5% a year in profit sharing. I also did not factor in the AA A-fund.
Pilot A $2,280,600 in wages, plus $250,866 in a b fund. TOTAL $2,531,466
Pilot B $2,761,200 in wages, plus %138,060 in profit sharing. TOTAL $2,899,260
and yes, I have too much time on my layover.
One factor that has to be "included" though is that the SWA pilot is going to have to fly a whole lot more to get his money than the AA pilot. I'd rather fly one or two long legs a day, than 4,5, or 6 hops every day for my entire career. Less work is more filling.
JMHO