Originally Posted by
iPilot
I agree. While I don't believe we should make $100k on the first year (wouldn't mind, though) I think it can be a reasonable expectation to have to play the starving artist as the company would need to recoup initial training costs and union probation.
However, 2nd year FO should be into the 50s until they reach captain. Captains at the regionals should be in the 100k range where it should stay until you're flying something bigger.
If the airline pay scale was flattened out a bit, instead of now where you make the majority of your money all at once, airline life would be better for everyone.
JMHO
I agree that in theory this is how it should be. However, it will never ever ever happen. Even junior FO's at some of the majors (United, Continental) don't make as much. Junior FO's there start in the 30k range, and make in the high 50-60k range passing year 3 or 4. Unfortunately we can never expect to make as much. Once again, as long as people are willing to work for 17k, that's what will be paid. We are all guilty of it.