Corporate pay falling behind?
 

So I've recently looked at some of the new airline contracts and have seen the considerable increase in pay at the Legacies (and FedEx). I've also read posts from 5 yr Southwest F/O's making 170k - and they have yet to reach a new contract.

With 3-5 year First Officers at airlines making up to 170-200k (let alone Captain pay) and comparing them to the median Jet V corporate salaries, I can't help to think that many Corporate guys have got to be looking at the airlines.

I say this as a former airline guy (they went out of business) that has been in the corporate world for the last 5 years (and intend to stay there).

Just curious to hear some opinions.
My question for the long-time corporate career guys - when the airlines make the large moves forward like this, do you expect corporate salaries similarly follow suit - and if so, what kind of lag time is involved?

After having done corporate, airline, charter, and cargo flying I've found I prefer corporate (part 91) flying - but dang, the pay differential is looming large (particularly if you include the retirement plans and profit sharing at the Legacies).

Just curious to hear some opinions.


Oh, by the way - I do NOT want to start the same old "corporate vs. airline" thread. People prefer what they prefer. I'm just curious about corporate pay adjusting upwards (or not) as a response to increased airline pay.

There's a lot more to life than simply compensation.

I made the jump from a light cabin 91 job to a major carrier a year and a half ago and have no regrets whatsoever...but not everybody flying corporate has a personality suited for 121 operations and the quality of life aspect MUST be considered.

I will say I have noticed 91 salaries going up over the last few years, but more than that, a lot more movement between operators. Of course Jet V has enjoyed job portability unmatched by Jet II/III pilots, but even mid and light cabin pilots are starting to be "recruited".

"More to life than compensation"

I certainly agree with that statement and the QOL afforded to me in my current job is the reason I am planning to sit tight. But it is somewhat confounding to see many of the NBAA salary numbers (which is what my employer references) go DOWN this year while airline salaries are going up.

Tony,

Not sure where you are located, but salaries are moving up in the NY area, especially for CL300-class and up. Global/G650 are really going up as qualified guys "shop around". I'm pushing for upward movement by 10% or more plus the usual annual bump.

GF

Look at Wal-Marts new pay and compensation. Pretty damn impressive.

Good to hear. I don't live in a real corporate hotbed - not much shopping around going on here unless guys bail for the airlines. But my employer uses a formula of longevity, performance, and several different salary surveys including the NBAA. If things do improve throughout the corporate industry, then it will eventually migrate this way.

I've got friends at WalMart, and I am very impressed with the big step forward they took. I heard that they wanted to make their aviation department competitive to an airline career. But nevertheless, just as they raised their pay, several Legacies signed new contracts. Now their big new payscale only mirrors First Officer pay at the Legacies. Still a very good step forward. Hopefully other departments will follow suit.

Can you provide numbers and benefits?

Wal-Mart's significant pay bump was a reaction to pilot attrition...because that's the one thing that tends to get the attention of the HMFICs.