Story Problem:

Horizon air pilot: 10 years stuck as a First Officer at an average of 30K then ten years more as a captain at an average of 70K. Over 20 years the pilot can make an average of 50K per year.

Guy at the county dump: Guy at the dump gets hired at 20 and starts out at 48K. After 20 years has been given progressive pay raises until reaching 58K. Has full benefits, is home every night, gets every weekend, holiday and three weeks paid off each year. In addition after 20 years they are now eligible for retirement.

The pilot spent a fortune on education and training. After wasting four years or more in college they also had to spend five years flight instructing and part 135 prior to making it to their starting point at Horizon Air. The pilot is getting old before they even get a chance to buy a house or to consider getting married. In addition the regional pilot has to be able to earn back the investment it took to get there. It could take decades before they can really consider themselves as making more than the guy at the dump.

Question:

Who has the better job from an income and lifestyle perspective?

Skyhigh