ExpressJet take home pay
 

My wife and I are trying to do some budgeting for the year ahead. I start with XJT on the 6/6 class. I'm wondering what kind of money I can expect to make each month after tax? I'll have no other deductions as my wife's company gives us great insurance and we've got a stand alone 401k going.

Any help would be appreciated.

If you pick stuff up while sitting reserve (4 days are best for per diem) expect 2100 to 2500. It also depend on your taxes.

Awesome, thanks for the info! That's around what we thought.

No problem and welcome aboard. I was hired in January and this is definitely a great airline! The work rules aren't bad and all the captains are really helpful. Training will be a little tough but they want you to pass. Have fun and the Holiday Inn has free beer and margaritas on Tuesday's.

Great to hear some positivity! Thanks. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into some airline flying again. I've been far too rested and had far too much sleep in the last three months!

Wow, so on first year reserve pay you are taking home 30K a year? That's incredible. I take home a little more than that after 4.5 years and 90+ hours on a better paying aircraft.

Guess I'm at the wrong airline or something like that.

I've only had 2500 once. Note 2100-2500.

Without medical and 401k you might squeeze out a little more. Worry about getting through training and once you are on the line then you NEED to have a working knowledge of our contract. Our work rules have lots of little ways to make more money, improve your QOL, or just avoid being schedulings *****. For a reserve the aggressive pickup window is sometimes the difference between a 22 hr three day and a 15 hr 4 day. Good luck with training!

I know you say you've got a "stand alone 401k" going (whatever that is), but do yourself a favor and make sure to contribute at least enough to the company 401K to get the match. They are going to give you a set percentage anyway even if you contribute zero, but don't leave the other free 4-6% of matching on the table. That's a 100% return on your investment that will help reduce your taxes anyway. At that percentage and income you are not going to take a noticeable hit on your take home pay.

Make sure you DO NOT OPT OUT OF THE LONG TERM DISABILITY program either. You will be enrolled automatically when you are hired and it will cost you a few dollars each pay period. It is well worth it for the piece of mind of having an income if you lose your medical (it does happen to young pilots). If you opt out and then decide later to get it, it is an almost impossible feat to get back into the LTD program because of the physical requirements and health history they ask you.

Just asking you to consider carefully before you refuse any of the things that might reduce your paycheck even a few dollars.

I can't agree more! My wife and I were in a bad car accident (drunk/high driver and she took off) and I was off work for about 3 years. All I can say is Thank God for the LTD insurance it was the best move ever!!