Falcon9,
Hiring is based on total experience, total time, face to face first impression, and whether the consensus is the pilot will make a good long term investment for the company. Currently, RJ drivers, MD-80 drivers and 757 drivers seem to be getting preference. But in the recent past, the company has hired turboprop drivers with 3-4K hours left seat time. Upgrade time is due to the rapid growth and the mindset that this airline is training captains. And yes the average time is a year to a year and a half.
Sounds like Mike734 might have interviewed and passed over...somewhat bitter don't you think? According to my husband, just about to upgrade, the top guys have their upside and downside, but more ups than downs.
Here is the pay schedule
Year FO CA
1 41 61
2 44 72
3 47 80
4 49 85
5 49 90
6 49 95
7 49 97
8 49 99
9 49 102
10 49 105
Hope this helps!