Originally Posted by FlyerJosh
Rick,
You left out the costs that were incurred by non pilot types... todays front page article of the USAToday was a story about how all degrees out there are headed upwards.
I also disagree that it takes a pilot 4 years to get from CFI to their first regional. I personally did it in 8 months after finishing my flight training, and know of plenty of people that make it in less than 24 months, which I would say is the average time needed to build the requisite 1000/100 that most regionals are looking for...
Likewise, I don't know that your times regarding the other positions are quite centered as well, but without salary surveys I can't tell how accurate your info is.
I don't disagree though that things aren't what they used to be and certainly I know plenty of my peers from high school out there that make more than I do outside of the aviation world.
That estimate was VERY rough, based on my previous white-collar career. But I am pretty familiar with the math, because when I switched careers I did the math very carefully... back then a pilot at AA could expect to pull down about $7M-10M working 10 days/month (in case anyone was wondering WHY I switched)
I was assuming a non-lawyer, non-doctor professional, so the professional doesn't include extensive post-graduate education. I forgot to include a master's degree, which would be required for a hard-charger. Typically you get that while working full time, so you're only out a few a few grand for the tuition, you don't lose years of earning power. I also stated that I was assuming both had a 4 year degree to start with, so that cost is not in there.
There are many ongoing training and education opportunities for the professional during his career, but his company will pay for almost all of that.
I meant to allow 3 years for the CFI, oops. I myself did it in two, but know plenty of folks who are STILL CFI's at 3-4+ years. We are in a hiring boom right now...When I got hired 2000-2500 and lot's of Multi was the norm.