As an FO we peak at 50K WITH per diem. As a Capt we can just see over 100K at our peak. (regionals) Since the AVERAGE american income is CNN reported today around $600.00 per paycheck (they work 40hr weeks/160 hr months). A 1st yr FO is making just around that (75hr month). So I don't see how the general public will feel bad for us. Think about it... we may not make the hundreds of thousands of dollars airline pilots used to make right away. But we still break 50K when we upgrade 3-5 yrs with company already. That is consistant with any prof. job out there for the MOST part. Would I like better pay YES! but I cannot complain when I look at other ppl. I have a buddy that works at JPL that makes 40K and that was after working for around 30K for 3 yrs under NASA/JPL department at UCLA. It is just the GODDD awfull 1st yr pay we have to overcome.